Josephine Emmett

Dr. Josephine Marian Emmett (née Wilson) died peacefully in the early morning of August 19, 2018 at the Canmore General Hospital after facing ovarian cancer for three years. In her final days she was surrounded by family and friends sharing reminiscences and love.

Josephine was born June 1, 1947 in Yorkshire, England and emigrated to Canada in 1957. At an early age she decided on a career in medicine and became an accomplished and cherished family doctor, serving the Calgary area for 42 years. Her career began in 1972 at the Stoney Health Centre in Morley, then moved to family practice in Calgary. Her proudest achievement was being awarded Family Physician of the Year for Alberta in 2006 by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Josephine was an innovator in delivery of care models in family practice. She was founding member of the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network and the Low Risk Maternity Care Clinic. Dedicated to providing obstetric care in a family practice setting, she delivered over 3000 children during her career. Josephine was active in medical politics, serving as the president of the Foothills Hospital Medical Staff in 1988. She was the first elected president of the Calgary Regional Staff Association in 1996. After retiring, Josephine continued to provide locum care in Alberta and Nunavut.

Josie enjoyed extensive travel abroad and hiking at home with her beloved husband Jim, her children, and friends. She had a life-long love of music, singing in choirs and playing piano. She was an amateur diarist and painter, and enjoyed attempting to train her dogs. She volunteered many hours to Amnesty International (National Board Secretary 1985-1986), Youth Singers of Calgary (Board Chair and Alumni Development Foundation Chair), Calgary Urban Project Society (Chair of Health Committee), and the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign (Canmore Mountain Grannies.) Amongst these priorities, Josie valued personal time with family as a loving mother and grandmother.

Josephine is survived by her husband Dr. James Emmett; her children Megan Emmett (Ryan Johnston), Jeffrey Emmett, and Matthew Emmett (Andria Dawson); grandchildren Dexter, Kathleen, and Chloe Johnston, Sadie and Caleb Emmett; brothers Peter Wilson (Patt), Charles Wilson (Maryanne), Patrick Wilson (Beverly) and Christopher Wilson (Janene), sister Kathleen Wuthrich (Larry); aunt Agnes Walker (Keith) uncle Patrick Mallon (Patricia); along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

A celebration of Josephine's life was held on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018

at the Canmore Coast Hotel.

Josephine's family wish to sincerely thank the Bow Valley Community Cancer Centre team, the Palliative Home Care team, Dr. Catharine Hinds, and Dr. Jill Nation. Donations to commemorate Josie may be made to her special charities noted above.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.