Obituary of Colleen Emenau

A shining light of hope and happiness was extinguished on Saturday, February 23, 2019 when Colleen Emenau died suddenly and unexpectedly at her winter home in Largo, Florida.  Colleen was born on September 29, 1940 in Greenfield, NB and was the daughter of the late Edna Shaw Dean and Byron Gilbert White.  She moved to Saint John as a girl and lived there except for short periods in Moncton and Digby.

Colleen lived a very full life.  She loved to travel worldwide with Paige on her arm. Entertaining their family and close friends was what made her happiest.  She particularly loved when her home was filled with family, their children and grandchildren.  This meant she was going to have to do more shopping to feed everyone.  Often these gatherings were followed by a game of cards.  She was the ultimate entertainer!  Not to be outdone by her kindness to her family and friends, Colleen also gave to a great number of charities and organizations not only financially but with her time and efforts as well.  In fact, she was the first donor to the Hospice Shop in West Saint John.

Colleen was very active in her church in Florida, The Resurrection Episcopal Church of Largo and was particularly interested in their gardens.  The St. Andrew's United Kirk Church in Hammond River and ("THE REV") John Fraser were also very important to Colleen.  She served on the board of the Canadian Red Cross, was board chairperson of the MindCare Foundation and was actively involved in the field of mental health care and research.  

Colleen was a former member of the Riverside Golf Club and also loved her games of bridge, gardening and reading.  She was also a charter member of the ladies "SPA" investment club.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Dr. Paige Emenau; her two sons, Christopher Moore (Patricia) of Halifax and Michael Moore (Susan) of Halifax; three stepsons, Mark Emenau (Dasha) of Edmonton, Michael Emenau (Kate) of Montreal and Darren Emenau (Nora) of Saint John; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Elizabeth, Sarah, Hannah, Colin, Kai, Henri and Lucy; and two great grandchildren, Liam and Violet.  Her death is also a great loss to her brother, Donald Dean (Jenifer) of Fredrick Maryland; nieces, Rebecca Smith, Emily Dean and Dr. Kieren Marr and their children, Ruby, Declin, Avery and Lilly.

She was predeceased by her mother, father, step-father Donald Dean, sister Sharon Marr and stepson Daniel Emenau. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM with a Celebration of Colleen’s Life to immediately follow, all from Brenan’s Chapel.  Interment will take place in St. Andrew’s United Kirk Cemetery, Hammond River.

Donations in Colleen’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.  Support for Colleen’s interests and work in mental health and with those less fortunate in our city would be appreciated. 

www.BrenansFH.com