Mrs. Emma Elizabeth Nelson-Yanke

June 9, 1933 - February 15, 2021

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Emma Nelson-Yanke on February 15, 2021 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Emma is survived by husband Ray Yanke; daughter Susan Nelson, grandson David Boyce (Cheryl), great-grandson Kurtis Storoschuk Boyce (Jen); granddaughter Brandy Boyce (Doug), great-granddaughter Isla; son Rick (Debbie) Nelson, granddaughter Kyla Nelson; son Glen Nelson; stepdaughters Kim Simpson (Cam), Kari (Jim) Matsella, granddaughters Kevyn (Mitch), great-grandson Avery; granddaughter Cierra (Brendan); sister Eleanor Hass, and brother Ivan Speidel (Joan). Emma was predeceased by her son Larry Nelson in March 2020, husband Norman Nelson in 1976, parents Elizabeth & Joseph Speidel, sisters Dolores, Lorraine and brother Vern. Family was the most important thing in Emma’s life and she enjoyed travelling to differing countries and within Canada. Emma enjoyed many different aspects of employment from working at an Insurance Agency, Medicine Hat City Hall, Time Air, Real Estate Agent, and with MRB Foods Brokerage. Emma enjoyed taking numerous courses and was active on several boards, Landlord and Tenant, Library, Medicine Hat Housing Authority, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Girl Guide Leader, Cub Scout Leader and Sunday School Teacher. Emma and Ray had just celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary before her passing and she was a loving and devoted wife and mother and grandmother to all. Emma had numerous friends during her time in Medicine Hat and then High River and touched many with her kind and generous spirit. Emma was active with supporting widows in both cities. She was active in both Medicine Hat and High River United Churches and had a strong faith community, offering support to the very end. Memorial Donations may be made to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, www.countryhospice.org. A Celebration of Emma's Life was held at the George Lane Park Gazebo in High River on Saturday, September 18th at 1:30 p.m. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.