In loving memory of Dinah Emery.
Dinah Emery, a warm-hearted and vibrant woman, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the age of 76 years. Wife of 50 years to her darling John. Loving mother to her two daughters Rosemary and Vanessa, and their husbands Mike and José. Cherished Granny to Lucy, Julien, Chloé and Ellie. Dear sister of Hugh and his wife Judy; Graham and his wife Sylvie; and sister-in-law to David; Patsy and her husband Patrick. Proud Aunt of Marion, David and Stephen; and grand-aunt to Nina, Sullivan and Hudson. Predeceased by beloved nephew Nicky and parents Hugh and Nancy Lindsay.
Born and raised in Barnet, England, Dinah was a natural adventurer whose early days rambling on long hikes with family led to time in Switzerland and Belgium before immigrating to Vancouver, Canada in 1969. It was while working as a secretary in the engineering department of UBC that she met the love of her life John who was completing his PhD. One typed dissertation led to a 50 year marriage and partnership, where John and Dinah continued to work together in raising their family first in Hamilton and later in the hills of Caledon and in building their geotechnical engineering business JEGEL. It was in their home of over 35 years on Old Church Road that they had their happiest memories of Rosemary and Vanessa and their grandchildren growing up.
Dinah was a well-loved member of the Caledon East and Bolton community who was a long time Guide leader and volunteer in the community. She was always ready to lend a supportive ear as a den mother to all in need.
Dinah never lost her love of adventure and sense of wonder and travelled the world with John. Closer to home she enjoyed hikes on the Bruce trail and annual canoe trips with best friend Barb, and Daphne the canoe, up into her 70s. She was always happiest in her trusty running shoes ready to tackle the projects of the day.
Dinah was a lover of music who took up the flute in her 40s and played for years with the Caledon Concert Band. Music remained a great source of comfort and connection for her throughout her long Alzheimer’s illness.
Dinah was a fan of good mischief with friends and living with laughter and joy. We ask for all of those who she has touched with her warmth and love over the years to raise a glass, play a song or take a hike in her honour. The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.
Donations may be made on her behalf to the Memory Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital c/o the UHN Foundation.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Barb Watson
John, Vanessa, Rosemary & Families:
Our Watson family has fond memories of times spent with you. We remember Dinah as a bubbly, fun, warm hearted lady who was so proud of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Janet Stockwell
Dinah’s long journey of suffering with her tragic illness has come to an end and she will be sorely missed by her many friends and loving family. Although I did not see Dinah during her illness, I kept up-to-date on her condition through our mutual friend, Barb. I so clearly remember Dinah’s delightful, bright personality and her intelligent mind as our paths crossed during our years of raising our young daughters. As mothers of two daughters, we had a lot in common and would share our latest news over shopping carts at Zehrs or get-togethers at friends’ houses. I am so sorry for the family but I know that the suffering of everyone who loved Dinah has been a prolonged pain, and not just the usual grief we feel at a loved one’s passing. Rosemary and Vanessa, you had a very special mother who will always live in your lasting memories of her. With love from Janet Stockwell and family
David and Christa Hein
It is with deep sorrow that we hear of Dinah’s passing. She was a one of a kind caring and loving person. She brought laughter and fun to all who knew her. We have fond memories of our company Christmas gatherings in the Caledon hills. Our business/exploring trip in the early 90s with Dinah, John and the girls will never be forgotten.
David and Christa Hein and Family
ROBERT BURLIE
John, Vanessa and Rosemary: Liz and I would like to send our condolences to you and your extended families on the loss of Dinah.
Peijun Guo
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Dinah’s passing. She was such a wonderful and loving person I knew. I still remember the first time I met her with John, the trip we had together to China, and many more. Her smile and voice were still in my mind as if all these were in yesterday. I missed Dinah since her tragic illness and I wish I could have visited her during her illness. I am so sorry for John and the family since I understand the deepest grief you have. Dinah will be alive in our last memories forever.
Peijun and family
Cosimo Napoli
John, I would like to send my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Dinah.
Patricia Emery
So deeply missed our cherished Dinah. Your spirit lives on in our hearts. Love Patsy, Patricia and Patrick.
Mike and Carmen MacKay
So sorry and sad to hear of Dinah’s passing. I have many fond memories of our nearly daily lunchtime walks together over so many years, discussing music, our families and all things JEGEL. John was the mind and soul of JEGEL, Dinah was the heart. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known her.
Jessica Hernandez
I am really sorry for the passing of Dinah. I remember her as a very special and kind person that helped me a lot when I moved to Canada 22 year ago. I remember all the great conversations that we had, specially about her canoe trips (even in the winter), her great trips with John and stories of her daughter when they were small. John, Vanessa and Rosemary, I will be praying for you and keeping you in my thoughts. We will always remember Dinah with happiness and joy.
Janet DIppolito
Dear Emery Family:
It was with great sadness to get the email from Rob Burlie about Dinah’s passing . I know how much Romualdo respected John and Dinah’s love .
It has been 5 years since loosing Romualdo but I know he would want to send his thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time .
Hold on to the wonderful memories.. They will hold you up in the days and years ahead with only her memories left behind.
Ann Smith
To Dinah’s family I extend my heartfelt condolences.
I have fond memories of Dinah, first getting to know her as a customer of the bank and then as a member of the gym; always bubbly, chatty and ready to go. As I guided her through her many workouts in the early 2000’s, she excitedly chatted away sharing stories and anecdotes of her many passions; music, guiding, canoeing and winter yurts, to name just a few. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. RIP Dinah.
Ann
Nabil and Magda Zariffa
Dear John, Rosemary, Vanessa and family,
We are deeply saddened by Dinah’s passing.
We will always remember her as a lively, caring person. We had some wonderful moments together with our shared grand-children Julien and Chloé.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Nabil & Magda
Paul & Betty Johnston & girls
John, Vanessa, Rosemary and families,
Our sincere sympathies in the passing of Dinah. We have pleasant memories from our Macville days. Dinah was always a great help and a lot of fun at the school and for our Brownie group. She will be deeply missed, but you two girls have a lot of special memories to treasure. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Dinah
Lorraine Witty
Sincere condolences to John, Rosemary, Vanessa, and families.
I treasure the memories of Dinah and Vanessa sharing adventures in Guiding especially in Tadoussac and the Saguenay region in Quebec.
Blessings as you keep her spirit in your hearts.
Lorraine
Carolyn Culp
I played in the band with Dinah years ago. I was a new mom at the time and she shared such great advice with me on so many subjects. I have since passed many of those tidbits on to my daughters and friends. My condolences to you all. She was one of a kind.
Fran Monrad
John, Rosemary, Vanessa and Family,
Dinah was a rare soul. Whether she was helping us to design a haunted house for Guiding (I think we had the whole district one year!), playing her flute for the Caledon Concert Band, or rescuing lost Nordic Ski Team members from Bolton Camp, she did it all with style, class, compassion and spirit.
Our deepest condolences,
Fran and Stephen Monrad
Amanda Simpson
I’m so sorry – Dinah was an amazing person. I have such fond memories of Tadoussac, Rangers, and just hanging out at the house. She will be missed.
Thinking of all of you.
Diana Malfara
I had the pleasure of doing Dinah’s hair . I loved how she would sing during our visits. She was always so happy. She will be missed.
John McFall
John, Rosemary, Vanessa and families ,
Dinah was a mainstay of the Caledon Concert Band and I enjoyed her company on the many bus trips we made to perform concerts. She was a wonderful role model for so many girls in the guiding movement. Truly, a life well lived.
Anne Marie, Cathie, Grant, Heather, and Laura Simmie
We’re so sorry to hear the news. Dinah brought so much joy to so many people and taught all of her Guiding girls how to be kind, independent, and strong women. She will be missed by all of us whose lives she has influenced along her way.
Keith Foster
Dinah will be remembered for her kindness, her empathy, her undying support for gender equity and of course her love for music – she will be missed. Our sincere condolences, Keith, Faye, Amy and Bryan
Barb and Laurie
John, Rosemary and Vanessa,
We join you and the Caledon community in the sadness of the loss of Dinah. We remember a fun, talented and amazing woman. She was such a bright light that we will feel her glow for many years to come.
Carrie
John, Rosie and Vanessa, I want to express my deepest sympathies for your loss. We were so lucky to spend our childhood years together participating various adventures concocted by Dinah and my mom. As I grew older I always appreciated the little “life chats” Dinah and I ended up having over the phone or at my mom’s place. She was like an auntie to my sister and I. I admired her spirit, her intelligence and the fun she brought to our lives. I am so grateful for those early days of camping which helped inspire a life long love of camping in our family. I know my mother’s life was made so much richer because of Dinah. She will always be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Susan Tighe
We have just learned of the sad passing of Dinah. Heartfelt condolences to the family. We remember Dinah as a very kind and caring person. This will be very hard for John, seeing they were always together. With sympathy, Susan Tighe and Chris Raymond