NEWSOME, Emma Mary (Wahl) February 11, 1925 October 25, 2008 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom on October 25, 2008 at the age of 83. Emma was predeceased by her husband Thomas, parents Eisdach and Elizabeth Wahl, her twin sister Hilda and her brothers Bill, Otto, Edward and her grandchild Alicia. Mom passed away suddenly but peacefully with her devoted son Glenn by her side. She will be sadly missed by sons Richard, Glenn, Bill, David (Marnie), grandchildren April, Michael, Jennifer, Andrea, Leah, Alyse, Kathleen, Victoria, Mark and Cora Lee, her great-grandchildren Grace, Lucas and JJ, her brother Gene (Joan), sisters-in-law Adele and Sybil, cousin Eleanor, many nieces and nephews and her special friends Tillie, Mary and Phyllis. Mom was able to enjoy over 30 wonderful years of watching her grandchildren grow up and the birth of three great grandchildren. Mom's family immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1924. Prior to leaving Russia the family experienced the loss of son Alexander and daughter Rosa. They sailed from Riga to London and from London on to Halifax. After a long train ride they settled in Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan. Mom and her twin sister Hilda were born there in 1925 and five years later, in 1930, the family moved to Kelowna. Mom graduated from high school in Kelowna and arrived in her beloved Victoria in 1943 to attend nursing school at St. Joseph's Hospital. In 1945 she met Thomas Newsome and they were married in Kelowna on May 25, 1948. While raising a family Mom worked at the provincial government starting in 1964 with the Department of Education and finally with the Motor Vehicle Branch until she retired in 1988. Mom never called it retirement she liked to refer to it as the golden handshake. Mom never sat idle. She was a member of the Insurance Women's Group, a very active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Andrew's Cathedral. Through these organizations Mom was able to be part of support groups helping those less fortunate in our community. Mom was very proud to be part of these groups who gave so selflessly of their time. Mom's greatest rewards were her sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, the people she met and the friendships she made. Our family would like to thank Mom's doctor, Dr. Judith Jones and receptionist Caroline for their special care over the years. A special thank you also goes out to the doctors and nurses at the Jubilee Hospital. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Emma's life on November 4, 2008, 2:00 p.m. at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.. In lieu of flowers, Mom has requested donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Victoria Hospice 509575