In her 90th year, Em was Promoted to Glory on January 9, 2024.
The second daughter of Margaret and Fred Higgins, Em was born in Nanaimo, BC on August 15, 1934. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 68 years, Tom; her daughter, Patricia (Wes) Roed of Campbell River; her son, John (Jackie) Ellwood of Victoria; her grandsons, Ryan, Corbin and Spencer Roed; granddaughter, Ashley Ellwood (Graeme); niece, Delaine (Paul); nephew, Gordon (Colleen); as well as her extended family and many, many good friends.
Born into a strong Salvation Army family, Em became a dedicated lifelong Salvationist. She was always active in her church, she sang in the songsters, the ladies vocal trio and as a soloist. Em loved meeting people, making new friends and discovering new places. In support of her husband, Em was excited to move to many different places. In December 1959, they moved to Sydney, Australia for two years where Em made a number of lifelong friends. They returned to Vancouver in 1961 where they started their family, Patricia in 1961 and then John in 1964. In 1965 the family moved to Prince Rupert for two years and then to the new instant town of Gold River for two years, and then again to Gibsons, BC before returning to Victoria for three years. In 1974 the family moved to Castlegar, BC where Em made wonderful friends with several Doukhobor ladies who taught her the secret of making their wonderful borscht. From 1975 until 1981, the family lived in Courtenay, BC before finally returning to Victoria permanently. Regardless where they lived, for over 60 years Em enjoyed the summer months at the Salvation Army’s Camp Sunrise on the Sunshine Coast. There she reconnected with her many friends from Greater Vancouver as well as helping as a volunteer in the kitchen or laundry; or with the children. The camp for her was a very special place which she called “Holy Ground”! She loved children and almost daily at camp she would hold “tea parties” for the kids who all called her “Auntie Em.” At her church in Victoria for years she taught in the Sunday school, looked after the kitchen making meals and treats for church dinners, wedding receptions, funerals and church groups as well as being a very active songster. She had great energy and just loved being active and helping others. She was a very happy person who had a constant wonderful smile. She brightened the lives of so many people and she will be missed!
We would like to thank the Emergency Paramedics, the Doctors and nurses at Royal Jubilee Hospital Emergency Unit, and Nurse John and Dr. Porayco at the ICU for their kind and empathetic care for Mom.
Em’s Celebration of Life will be held at THE SALVATION ARMY VICTORIA CITADEL, 4030 Douglas Street on Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 pm.
For those unable to attend in person, please follow this link to view the livestream of the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
A shining light has left our lives but will never leave our hearts. Dearest Em you have been a part of our lives for over 60 Years. We have been fortunate to be part of your wonderful kind loving heart which you have shared with us in so many ways. A beautiful jewel I found in Canada – you embraced me and welcomed me to your family as I welcomed you to mine. Thank you for so many blessings. God bless you as you go to join your “whanau” in heaven. Tom and family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time
Em was almost 10 when I was born so we can say we have been around a long time. Sunday School, Singing Company and on it goes to keep us busy as young people growing up in the church Victoria. As you read many comments you can tell Emeline loved to sing and why not – so did Mom and Dad was busy making music too.
Em was always interested in others no matter whether you lived close or far away. She kept track of you! Even though Angus & I haven’t lived in Victoria for many years now, it was like one had never left when we came home for a visit. Em’s parents, Tom’s parents, my parents – and so many other – one big happy family when all were in Victoria together. God bless Tom and Families. Thanks for the memories. Big hugs as always.
In the beginning…my mom excitedly introduced me to her younger sister on the beach at Camp Sunrise. Em greeted me as if I was her own. I remember that moment like it was yesterday and though I was only 6 I loved my aunt from that day on. Over the following 60+ years Em was always an inspiration both spiritually and as a Christian wife and mother. It always amazed me how she cultivated so much love in a world that could be be so unkind. What an example of discipleship she was. I will miss her greatly but embrace some joyous solace in knowing that she will be singing God’s praises while standing between her sister and mother.
Uncle Tom, John, Patricia and your families. As you already know so well our Aunty Em was a loving gift to us and our family. Our lives are so much richer for the precious moments we shared together. She loved and cared for everyone. We are grateful to God for sharing her with us, leaving us with so many treasured memories. We’ll be upholding uncle Tom and each of you during this time. See you soon.
Will miss Em very much. She always had a smile on her face. A great lady who will be missed on earth but will meet her again in heaven.
My heart is saddened for Tom and the family in these days. Yet we do celebrate her Promotion to Glory!
Yes an amazing addition to the Heavenly Choir! What a day of reunion awaits her dear loved ones..Tom, Patricia and John.
What a privilege was ours to be connected with your dear family during our days of ministry at The Courtney Corps 1978…1981!
Aunty Em always made me feel special as a kid, calling me over to her trailer in lower camp, faithfully supporting my lower camp “dog shows”. Em continued to make time for me as a teen, always asking about how I was doing in upper camp, and then when I was older sharing in Sunday lunches with me when I went to Victoria for school. I wasn’t related to Em, but she was always looking out for me, taking time for me, and and waiting for me with a smile, a hug, and a kiss. She set a beautiful example for me of what being God’s good and faithful soldier means. Thank you Em for sharing your life with me.
Eleanor and David Hawkes
Thank God for our expression, Promoted to Glory! Eleanor and I pray that you get the blessing from those words. Like so many saints before her, Em left so many wonderful, personal memories that you will treasure. The pain now might be intense at times, but we pray that the assurance of where she is, and the host of memories you have of how loved and valued she was by so many here will ease your heart.
God bless and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Your Mom was an encourager to us even in the few times we crossed paths. We know you all will greatly miss her. Sending you much love, hugs and prayers- Jodi and Mark Dunstan
Our hearts were saddened to hear of Em’s Promotion to Glory. We have so many wonderful memories of the 9 years we spent in Victoria stationed at Sunset Lodge & the friendships that developed with the Ellwood’s & many others. Em was my (Betty) willing chauffeur for songsters & many nights we spent time sitting in the car discussing the challenges & blessings of life. I really missed those times together when we moved. Em was a special friend to both of us & to many others. Her smiling face will be missed. Know that our prayers & love are with you & with John & Patricia & extended family as well.