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Emily Willena Fahey

Emily Willena  Fahey

Born In: New Victoria

Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: March 4th, 2015

"Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There’s no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving.” —Gail Tsukiyama
Emily Willena Fahey: Lady of strong faith, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Godmother, Aunt, Sister and Dear Friend.
As her children, we are broken hearted to announce the passing of our beautiful Mother, Emily, following a graceful and courageous battle with cancer during which she never complained or questioned why. She peacefully passed away, with her loving family by her side, March 4, 2015 at the Glace Bay Hospital. Ma was supported by her family and friends during the battle as she supported them throughout their lives. She demonstrated tremendous strength and unwavering hope throughout her illness.
Born in New Victoria, in 1937, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine 'Cassie' (Turnbull) Tighe, New Waterford Lake.
Ma was married to the late James Fahey, Reserve Mines.
She was a member of St. Joseph's parish, also in Reserve Mines, where she was well known and had so many friends.
As a young lady Ma worked at the IGA in Sydney before moving to Boston with friends to become a nanny while doing some fashion modelling. Quite an adventure for a young lady from New Victoria. A Christmas trip home to N.S. that winter changed Ma's life forever when she started dating the very handsome, James Fahey. With some gentle persuasion from James, Ma stayed home in N.S. and married him shortly after. Da adored her, and at the time of his passing in 2002, Ma and Da were married 40 years, during which time they raised their seven children together, surrounded by love and faith. Raising their family in a small company home was no small feat. We fondly remember falling asleep to Ma's beautiful singing. Although her children went off on their many adventures Ma was usually instrumental behind the scenes making things happen to support their dreams.
Emily was a wonderful mother, a strong, independent lady who was fiercely devoted to her family. Ma never forgot a birthday, anniversary or graduation; she was very proud of her family’s accomplishments, and was known to brag about them a time or two.
Ma was a kind and generous person and rarely did anyone leave her home without a trip to the "gift room" and a few bags in hand. She was famous for her cooking and baking especially her homemade bread which she made daily to complete her homemade meals. Friendly battles for the last loaf of bread were common. There was rarely a day when Ma didn't make a large family meal or a few meal options to ensure everybody's appetite was satisfied. Chocolate cake with boiled icing was a Sunday tradition in our home. Children growing up on Reserve Rows and Centre Street remember fondly Ma's nightly homemade chips served in lard boxes as their evening snack. Throughout the years Ma "adopted" many children who spent days, weeks and months in our home.
Ma lit up any room she entered. As her children grew she loved spending time with her friends, playing bingo, shopping, and enjoying a meal. Ma was a very lucky bingo player and if she did not win you could be sure she waited for one number many times. Her friends were a very important part of her life. She loved music and dancing, and was known for being one of the last to leave a party. Country music was her favourite and she also enjoyed Daniel O'Donnell's music. Ma loved beautiful clothing especially those pieces adorned with some bling. She always looked beautiful for every occasion.
Ma worked in correspondence for the Costal Courier for several years while remaining committed to being a dedicated homemaker.
Ma had a sharp wit an exceptional sense of humour and could always be depended on to share a story and keep everyone laughing. Ma would joke and have a great joke for everyone who knew her. They always got a laugh.
When things were at their toughest, Ma was at her best! This was epitomized during the last six months of life when she continued to give. When things were tough Ma found strength, when things were sad Ma helped us smile, when things were difficult she gave us courage, hope and laughter.
One of Ma's greatest virtues was the love she gave her family. One of her greatest joys were the many family get-togethers throughout the years. Ma was very proud of the home she built for her family.
Survived by and left to mourn this devastating loss are her seven children, Fonce (Wanda), Glace Bay, Cathy (Tim), Bedford, James (Robin), Boston, Emily (Glenn), Truro, Michelle (Mike), Dartmouth, Charlie (Patricia), Lake Echo, Kevin (Tammy), Sackville: 12 grandchildren, Montina, Jamie, Sarah, Thomas, Alyssa, Taylor, James Liam, Benjamin, Thomas, Kassidy, Brandon, Katherine and great-grandson, Benjamin. Emily will also be sadly missed by sisters, Annie and Bunny; brother, Wallace; very special friend, Dianne, and special family, Nan and Arnold Murphy; several nieces, nephews and friends. “Ma's loving family will truly miss their Mum.”
Besides her parents, Ma was also predeceased by her loving husband, James, sister, Romona, brothers, Joseph, Dempsey, Jackie, Myles and Clarence Tighe.
Visitation for Ma will be held Sunday, March 8, 2015, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral mass, officiated by Fr. Daniel Boudreau will be celebrated 11 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2015, in St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines. Immediately following the funeral mass, everyone is invited to join the family at a reception in the church hall.
Interment will be at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Memorial donations made in Ma’s memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
We, Ma's seven children, would like to take this opportunity to thank and celebrate our parents, Emily and Jim for instilling in us the importance of loving and supporting each other.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire staff from the 3rd floor of the Glace Bay Hospital and Dr. O'Brien, for their care and compassion and for becoming part of our extended family over the past several months. Your kind words to tell Ma how beautiful she looked each day and how she was a favourite patient meant so much to her and will never be forgotten.
Online condolences to the Fahey family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca.















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