Obituary of Esther Alice EMMETT (nee Frank)

July 30, 1920 –October 9, 2020

The family of Esther is deeply saddened to announce her peaceful passing, with family by her side, at her home in Walden Heights, Calgary. Esther was a native Calgarian and watched the city grow and change over the past 100 years. She attended Queen Elizabeth School, Crescent Heights High School, and Mt Royal College Business School. During the war, she met the love of her life, Keith Emmett, an Australian pilot. They married in 1944, then moved to Australia.  Keith died during a post-war mission in Borneo, just 3 months before Kaye was born. Esther wanted Kaye to know her paternal relatives, so stayed in Australia for 5 years. When she moved back to Calgary, she began a 35-year career with Canadian Delhi Oil. Esther was determined and incredibly hard-working, allowing her to save for her first house that she lived in for more than 50 years, and support Kaye in her many activities and interests. Esther was very active with both the Calgary and Alberta Badminton Assoc. and was a nationally credited umpire. She loved animals and owned a dog or cat for most of her life, and was a long-time supporter of the Calgary Zoo.  Esther loved playing golf, playing bridge, sewing, classical music, travelling, and her family and friends. Esther touched everyone she met by living her life with grace, dignity, kindness, and a great sense of humour. She will be missed terribly by daughter Kaye (Martin), grandchildren Laurie, Laura (Frank), and Dave, great-grandsons Adam and Jack, niece Susan and several Canadian, Australian and American cousins. Esther was predeceased by her parents Bob and Ruth, and her sister and brother-in law Ailsa and Dennis.  The family would like to thank the AgeCare Walden Heights staff for their compassionate care and attention.  The family will hold a small private gathering to celebrate her life later this month. Memorial donations can be made to the Calgary Zoological Society, Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, Calgary Food Bank, or any charity of their choice.