It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Emma. Emma Smith died on December 27, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by love. She was the cherished partner of Mike Sharp for 30 years. Adoring mother to Sophie, Ewan and Beatrice. Loving daughter of Ken Smith (Marie Mercier) and Morag Karius (née Leighton-Smith, 1999). Dear daughter-in-law to Carol Gaughan (née Sharp, Gerard Gaughan, 2004) and Edward Sharp (1998). Caring niece to Louise Smith, Wendy Quinn (2010) and Patrick Quinn. Adoring sister to Jackie Chan (Bill Chan), Sarah Smith (Brendan Johnson) and Mathieu Gingras. Cherished sister-in-law to Ann Sharp, Jean Sharp and Tom Gaughan (Jodi Joy). Loving aunt to Callum, Allison, Ian (Jaden), Lily, Mona, Vivian, William, Philipe, Patrick, Lara, Hélène, Noah and Kierra. Great-aunt to Evelyn, Ash, Abigail and Alex. Adoring cousin to Meg Quinn (Greg Gomes, and daughter Rory).
Emma is a Guelph legend and is woven into the fabric of the city. From her iconic coffee house The Meridian, up to her recent career as a real estate agent with her niece Allison Chan, she touched the lives of so many. Emma had the magical ability to make everyone she met feel special and like they were the only person in the room. She loved to host people in her home, especially for special occasions like the Winter Solstice. Emma was the light and center of any party she was at, sharing her hilarious stories and making sure she got one-on-one time with her many friends.
Emma loved to travel. She loved to visit new places and immerse herself in new cultures and experiences. A trip to India with her sweetheart was a formative one and she continued to travel with her growing family to places like Costa Rica and Cuba. She loved camping and especially her annual family pilgrimage to Blue Skies.
Emma helped EVERYONE. Whether it was making meals, running errands, or helping people sort out their spaces, she was there. She just showed up for people. And she looked good doing it. Auntie Emma was a family fashion icon!
Emma LOVED being a Mom and her kids were her universe. She coached, volunteered at their schools, shuttled them and their friends everywhere and anywhere, attended hockey games and dance recitals and encouraged them in all of their passions and projects. She accomplished so much in her life but this was her proudest role.
Emma, Jackie, and Sarah were a special unit and rarely a day passed when they all didn’t talk and/or see each other. Emma lived with cancer for a couple of years and the three of them were inseparable, taking road trips to clinics and care appointments. Through it all Emma was truly incredible. She lived fully and faced each day with hope and joy. In true Emma fashion, her last day on this earth was spent sharing special time with all her beloved family and friends and shining her powerful kindness on each and every one of us.
Much of Emma’s care was not covered by our healthcare system and her ability to work was increasingly diminished. We had a lot of help along the way, but resources were depleted. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to help support her children’s future wellbeing: DONATIONS LINK
Many thanks to the community who have helped to support Emma and Mike along this journey. A celebration of life will be announced in the coming weeks. Please start collecting your photos and stories of Emma to share with her children.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Emma Smith in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.