Obituaries

Emile Florence Clune (McCartan)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Emile on March 21st at the age of 97. Emile leaves to mourn her daughters, Kathy and Elizabeth (Dan MacNeish), grandchildren Eamonn (Jacqueline), Stephanie (Michael), William and Caleigh MacNeish, cousins John (Margaret) and Alan (Nalinni) McPartland, brother-in-law Eugene (Barb) Clune and numerous friends and former co-workers. She is predeceased by her husband Eamonn.

Emile was born on July 26, 1927 in Dublin, Ireland. She grew up in Woodenbridge in the Valley Hotel which her parents purchased when she was three. Growing up in a pub provided her with endless amusing stories. Mom was an only child but she was never lonely. She loved nature and the countryside and spent hours riding and training horses. She was a classically trained pianist and singer.

In 1960, mom decided “new decade, new adventures” and set off from England to Canada for a 1 year working holiday across Canada. As she often said “It’s been a long year”. Mom landed in Winnipeg where she had a number of friends who had emigrated from Ireland. This is where fate stepped in. Dad was the first of his family to come to Canada, 8 years previously. Dad and mom grew up a couple of miles apart and their families knew each other well. They reconnected and were married on July 1, 1961. In 1964, our Granny (mom’s mom) came to live with us.

Our parents were each other’s best friends. They loved and supported each other unconditionally. They shared a passion for improving the lives of those less fortunate, as evidenced by their life-time service to the union members they represented. My sister and I were raised with the knowledge that we had an obligation to speak on behalf of those who couldn’t speak for themselves and to act on behalf of those who couldn’t act for themselves. Their greatest love, commitment and joy however was reserved for me and my sister.
Mom worked as a supervisor at Manitoba Telephone System for 25 years and was the President of her union local for in excess of 16 years. In her union work, mom had the respect of members and managers alike. She was extremely effective in this role and those who mistook her kindness for weakness did so to their detriment. After mom’s retirement, she gave up most of her groups and causes and we were concerned she was going to head quickly into her dotage. Then MTS went on strike and she was back in action. “The operators are on strike, start tying up the lines. Click”. Then the fight for the MTS pensions which often kept her at the legislature until the wee hours. Her advocacy continued for most of the rest of her life.

In 1969, Dad was diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live but survived for 8 years. They set an amazing example for us. They never hid the hard times and made sure the good times outweighed the bad. We grew up surrounded by love and strength. Following dad’s death, mom continued to work full time, went back to school obtaining her Business Administration diploma, excelled in Toastmasters, where she won a number of top awards, and remained dedicated to her union work. Throughout, she remained a pillar of love, strength and devotion to me and my sister.
Mom was in her element as her grandchildren started to arrive. She was a constant presence in their lives and they became her main focus. She delighted in everything about them. They grew up thinking of her as their best friend. She was overjoyed at the recent birth of her great grandson Jack.

Mom had many interests, social justice, reading, creative writing, gardening, music, politics and world events but her greatest love was for her family.

Mom, we will love you and miss you forever.