Emelia Elizebeth Gazsity

May 1, 1957 - June 26, 2024

In Loving Memory

Emelia Elizebeth Gazsity

Emelia was born in the spring of 1957 and went home on (on a hot summer day in June 2024. She was the eldest daughter of Andrew and Emelia Gazsity. She obtained her Bachelors in Criminology and Psychology in 1979.  Emelia was married in 1977 but that marriage did not last. In 1984 she married the love of her life, Brent. They were married for 40+ years. Emelia worked for the Provincial Government of British Columbia as a Family Court Counsellor/Probation Officer for over 20 years before changing career paths and working as a Substance Use Counsellor for Interior Health for nearly 13 years and then finishing her career as a Tobacco Vapour Enforcement Officer with Interior Health. She enjoyed creating interactive groups, and working with vulnerable populations. Emelia loved travelling,  snowshoeing, hiking, walking, and kayaking. She loved music, and played a variety of instruments including the piano, guitar, harmonium and timpani drums.  She was an avid gardener, designer and crafter-enjoying spinning, weaving, lamp-work and a variety of other lesser known crafts. Emelia enjoyed editing, and assisted a handful of individuals, editing their Masters and PhD theses. She leaves behind Brent her husband. She had no children of her own, but felt rich in her ability to assist young people in their journeys. Above all else she was a motivator. The family wishes to thank Dr. Heinz Raupach for his incredible care for Emelia throughout this last year in particular, and Dr. Harold Yacyshyn and family for their unwavering support, prayers, and friendship. Emelia and Brent would also like to thank the staff at Vernon Hospice for the outstanding care and treatment she received while under their care. Emelia was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at Coldstream Community Hall located at 9909 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC on Friday August 9, 2024 at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to Brent is requested no later than August 2nd at 250-308-1324 by text or phone call).

In lieu of flowers Brent and Emelia would kindly ask you to consider giving a donation to the North Okanagan Hospice Society.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:

T: 250-558-0866

4417 29th St,
Vernon, BC V1T 5B7

E: [email protected]

Leave a comment

Comments: 20

  1. Coleen Csakany says:

    I will always remember Emelia as a great friend I could count on.

  2. Howard Fisher says:

    Many fond memories of Emm. My wife Linda and I have been neighbours and friends with Brent and Emm for 30 years. We shared many good times with Emm at back yard parties, dinners, and other neighborhood events over the years. Emm was always there with advice and support to help us through whatever situation we were going through. We feel blessed to have had Emm in our lives and will cherish our memories of all the good times.
    Rest in Peace xoxo
    Howard and Linda Fisher

  3. Geri McMullen says:

    Brent, I am so sorry to hear this sad news of Emelia having passed ; I am truly sorry for your loss.

  4. Rita Foisy says:

    Emelia you are missed.
    I will always treasure our many conversations we had together over the years. You were
    always there for me, kind & caring. A special friend lives on in my heart. Love Rita ❤️

  5. Kim Naka says:

    My condolences to you Brent on your loss. There are no words to ease your pain of losing a loved one but I hope all the great memories and stories that you hear of how great Emelia was, will give you some comfort. Emelia and I shared the love of lamp working together when she was working out of the Kelowna Office for Interior Health. We took courses in lampworking together and shared our creations with one another. She had an infections laugh and certainly loved her crafting. She was very talented . I am sure she will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched within the community and beyond. I know she touched mine.

    Kim Naka

  6. Darlene Waddell says:

    Emelia will always be our favourite neighbour of all time !
    She adored our daughters when they were young ones and was such a special part of our lives in those precious few years we lived side by side.
    I could always count on her with remedies for almost any ailment that came our way ! She had an answer for all of it. Our family of four will always hold a very special place in all of our hearts for such a special friend.
    There are so many memories I could share including making mop dolls together and selling them at the farmers market
    The sharing of recipes and playing with Tristan and Samantha (the doggies)
    The many neighbour hood walks together and the Christmas cards that she never failed to send me in the mail even though we lived in the same town. What an absolute blessing it has been to know this amazing human !
    We will always love Emelia and always be here for our dear friend Brent.
    Till we meet again sweet friend ,
    Ray and Darlene Waddell

  7. Katia Amaral says:

    My beautiful friend, may God guide you in your future path. Since the beginning I got so connected with you. We all miss you every day.

  8. Priscila Nabuco says:

    I was gifted with knowing the formidable, wonderful woman that was Emelia through work. She was such a kind soul, full of energy and will. I will always remember Emelia with warmth in my heart. She will be missed very dearly.
    I hope everyone that knows her will find solace in the fond memories I’m sure we all have of her. Sending my sincerest condolences to those close to her in this very difficult time.

  9. Juliette Cunningham says:

    Brent I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Emilia. She was a warrior woman who brought much energy, intelligence and humour to many situations. You will miss her profoundly as I am sure many others will. Take care.
    Juliette Cunningham

  10. Jim Miles says:

    I had the pleasure of teaching Emma guitar music just before and through the Covid pandemic. She was always more concerned about others (including her guitar instructor) than her own person. My condolences to family and friends.

  11. Janelle Rimell says:

    May your smile and spirit shine on forever Emelia. Your kindness, compassion, and sense of humor have left such a mark in so many hearts and in our community. We were so lucky to just be in your orbit.

    Something I read recently I wanted to share – “What I know for sure is energy cannot be created or destroyed so the atoms that make up our loved ones don’t disappear, they still exist in the world. In the flowers blooming, in the birds chirping, in the running river or the lashing rain, in a summer breeze or a warm hug. They are with us always and all around us.”

    Miss you Emelia. Sending my love to Brent and your family.

  12. Janelle Rimell says:

    Emelia, may your smile and spirit shine on always. Your kindness, compassion, and sense of humor are a lasting impact in so many hearts and in our community. We were lucky enough to be in your orbit. I will miss you dearly my friend.

    What I know for sure is energy cannot be created or destroyed so the atoms that make up our loved ones don’t disappear, they still exist in the world. In the flowers blooming, in the birds chirping, in the running river or the lashing rain, in a summer breeze or a warm hug. They are with us always and all around us.

    My condolences to Brent and her family.

  13. Mary Hewitson says:

    Was shocked to see Emelia obit. Still trying to process that news. So sorry Brent. May she rest in peace , and you Brent find Comfort, Peace and solace in life after loss! 🙏🏼🙏🏼. 🥲. Sincerely, Mary Hewitson

  14. Louise Smith says:

    I was so hoping and praying that Emelia would beat this cancer. We had just reconnected and I saw that she could have time to spin and weave . Her infectious enthusiasim was encouraging to our new spinners at Lumby days last year. I hope that my emails gave both of you a moment of laughter on and off.
    Yes, I will attend the celebration of life on Aug 2.
    Thinking of you and Emelia often. I can help you with her weaving equipment and stash as Emelia asked me last year, but then her energy was needed elsewhere.
    See you soon, Louise Smith, Lumby

  15. Barry Rafuse says:

    I have sadness in my heart . I did not know Emmy was ill and her passing was a complete shock. Our time together goes back to her time as a Probation Officer in Williams Lake. She was an energetic, efficient and positive staff member and gave her best for the community. Brent, I know this is a very rough time for you and I send you my deepest condolences. I know that you were the most important person in Emmy’s life – she knew happiness.
    I will not forget her.

  16. Laura says:

    There is both sorrow and a strangeness to Emmy’s passing: sorrow that she left this world at a relatively young age as she did, and strangeness that she left at all, given she was such an enduring, vital force.

    I take comfort knowing that wherever Em travels to on this, her final journey, she will sort things out, say what she thinks without hesitation or fear, and try, in her own indomitable way, to make her destination better. She will always be herself.

    Our condolence to Brent on Em’s passing. May her memory be a blessing.

  17. Christina Lencucha says:

    Emelia was so compassionate and a huge advocate of our most vulnerable populations. She was always willing to share her expertise and knowledge. Sending sympathy.

  18. Heather Deegan says:

    Brent, please accept my condolences.
    It was such a gift to have Emelia as part of our Tobacco and Vapour Program at Interior Health. She was a kind person with deep empathy, she was a fierce advocate and she always had a sparkle in her eye.
    I feel truly fortunate to have known you, Emelia.
    Your love, your light and your spirit endure.
    Heather

  19. Heather and Al Zarchikoff says:

    We will be there for Emmy’ s celebration of life! ❤️

  20. Ákos András Dr. Szabó says:

    Dear Brent,

    We hold you close in our thoughts at this sad time. We’re deeply sorry for your profound loss.

    Eti, Attila & Ákos

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