Emily (Hurd) Hesje
May 13, 1925 – October 2, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Emily (Hurd) Hesje of Prince Albert. Emily was born May 13, 1925, in Southey, Saskatchewan, to James and Jessie Johnston. She grew up on the farm south of Southey and attended elementary school in Southey. She was the youngest and last remaining sibling of 13 brothers and sisters. Emily spoke often and fondly of her years growing up and living and working on the farm through her childhood, telling us great stories of the hardships and also the joys of her country life.

As a young woman, Emily attended hairdressing school in Regina and achieved her journeyman’s certificate. It was while hairdressing in the Southern part of Saskatchewan that she met and married John (Jack) Hurd. Emily and Jack lived in various parts of Saskatchewan but eventually settled in Prince Albert where they lived and raised their family of three boys, Gregory, Michael and Randy. Emily was a homemaker until the boys were in school, when she took a job at the Holy Family Hospital as a physiotherapy aid. She worked until December of 1971 when Jack passed away suddenly, leaving her with the daunting task of raising three young boys. She worked hard over the years to provide a good life for her family and teach the values that they would need to succeed in life. Later when the boys were on their own, Emily found a second successful career in the restaurant industry, running kitchens and food services for many hotels and restaurants.

In 1987 while working in the restaurant industry, Emily met John Hesje, and they married in 1988. It was at this time that she found great love and happiness in being married to John, and she was able to return to her beloved farm roots on John’s farm along the South Saskatchewan River near Birch Hills. They enjoyed their years together socializing and travelling. When John retired from farming, they moved into Prince Albert and started another happy chapter living in the city. Emily was a wonderful cook and a busy crafter, always looking for a new project.

Sadly John passed away in 2006, and Emily became a widow again. In 2007, she moved to Carment Court where she made new friends and maintained her own apartment until the spring of 2013 when, due to ill health, she moved into Sunny Days Care Home, where she received wonderful care until her passing.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memories are her sons, Gregory (Debra) and their children Kelle (Morgan) and Scott of Calgary; Mike (Debra) and their children Jason (Ryan) and great-grandchild Colin, Thomas (Erin) and great-grandchild Tobin of Prince Albert; Randy (Shawn) and their children Bretton and Zach of Prince Albert.

• Date : 2013-10-02 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK