PADHI, Matilda Emma

1933 - 2021. Matilda Emma Padhi passed away peacefully in Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary on January 3, 2021. Born November 3, 1933 in Belleoram, N. L., daughter of John and Irene (Rose) Whatley. After graduating from high school Emma headed to Halifax to work in the Moirs chocolate factory until she was old enough to begin nurse’s training. In 1950 she entered the Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing. Upon graduation in 1953 she headed west to Saskatoon where she worked at the Sanatorium and later as a head nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital. She met her future husband Radhakrishna "Rad" padhi while working at Fort San and they were married in 1956. The two travelled to Kingston where they started their family, and her husband pursued a career in cardiac surgery. They decided they should travel to Rad’s home country India, so he went ahead to get settled. In November 1961 she travelled with two children, while expecting a third child, to join her husband. She travelled from Halifax to London and then onto Cairo. She was the only adult female on the inaugural flight of the United Arab Airlines flight from Cairo to Bombay. She loved India, the country, the people, the food. She assisted her husband by running the bypass machine for the first successful open-heart surgery in Wanlesswadi, India in April of 1962. They worked alongside each other for six years. In 1967 they returned to Canada living in Saskatoon, Regina and settled in Moose Jaw in 1970. She raised a family, continued a nursing career and for a while sold real estate. She loved hockey and was a huge supporter of the MJ Canucks/ Warriors. She was president of the Moose Jaw Newfoundlanders club, and a member of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association. She occasionally worked in Northern Saskatchewan outposts providing relief to nurses on their time off. Upon retiring in 1987 Emma and Rad decided to travel to Cameroon in West Africa for a three-year medical mission. Again, Emma helped teach the nursing staff, assisted in the operating room, re- organized equipment and supplies and helped to rebuild the hospital. She continued to volunteer for medical missions ( Haiti and Guatemala) after her husband died. Her religious beliefs were a guiding force in her life. She loved the hymns and took great comfort in reading and reciting verses from the scriptures. Throughout her life she always made time to volunteer whether it was at the church or in the community. She travelled the world and made lasting friendships wherever she went. She was a progressive thinker, accepting of individual differences and always up to date on world affairs. She loved to shop especially for jewelry. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and reading. She loved life and knew how to have a good time wherever she was. She was devoted to her family and friends and was always there to lend a hand to someone in need. She was preceded in death by her husband R.K. Padhi (1998). She is survived by her children, Pamela (Kim) Railton, Desmond (Laura) Padhi, Devkumar ( Veronica) Padhi; grandchildren, Aaron ( Jessica) Railton, Sarah Railton (Bernie Banovic), Nathan Railton, Evin Padhi, Krystle O’brien ( Justin); and great- grandson, Charlie Railton. Our hearts are heavy, and our loss is great, but we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace in Heaven. We wish to thank the staff at the RVGH Unit 74 for their wonderful care of our dear mother in her final days. We also wish to thank the staff at Father Lacombe Care Centre which has been her home since her stroke in May of 2016. Thank you for all those special little things you did for mom, it meant so much. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we have decided to hold a celebration of life once things settle and family are able to travel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Canadian Down Syndrome Society ( https://cdss.ca). Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at: www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca South Calgary Funeral Centre and Crematorium (at Lake Fraser Gate). Telephone: 403-297-0711.