Obituary of Emily Margaret Trim
Emily passed away peacefully in hospital on November 26, 2024, her mother and father by her side. She was the beloved daughter of Majors Kester and Kathryn Trim, and sister to Rachel Kershaw (Jeremy) and Paul Trim (Lee-Ann). Emily was the proud aunt to one nephew (Jayson) and six nieces (Fayth, Makayla, Kayla, Madison, Jemma and Brielle). She was blessed to have amazing aunts, great uncles and terrific cousins.
Born to Salvation Army Officers, Emily lived a life of change and adaptation . When she was just eighteen months, the Trims moved to Africa. This cross-cultural experience shaped Emily’s character. She was curious, creative, inclusive and welcoming to people of different backgrounds.
Emily started school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then known as Zaire) and continued in Zimbabwe. It was at Ariel School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe that Emily, along with many other students experienced what they understood to be an extra-terrestrial visitation. The event was featured on local, national and then continental news. It has since formed the basis of a documentary entitled Ariel Phenomenon (2022) in which Emily was featured.
After high school, Emily entered the retail sector. Her winsome personality and excellent customer service quickly moved her into leadership. More than once, she was head-hunted! In her early twenties she became the manager of Roots Yorkdale Mall, Toronto, a flagship retail outlet for that company. She was selected as part of the team which flew to Vancouver to service Roots’ customers during the 2010 winter Olympics.
Sadly, mental illness ended Emily’s career. She suffered profoundly during debilitating episodes of her diagnosed disorder. For more than a decade, Emily turned to art for distraction and as an outlet for her creativity. She painted, sketched, and photographed. Her love of nature found expression in collections of stones, feathers, sticks, foliage … all of which she arranged and rearranged in her apartment.
On Thanksgiving weekend 2023, Emily’s life was changed forever with the startling discovery of metastasized (multiple brain tumors) melanoma stage four. For thirteen months, Emily fought the disease bravely and stoically. She accepted and underwent every treatment offered to her, but to no avail. Cancer won the battle.
Emily was blessed with excellent medical care and community supportive services. The Salvation Army Harbourlight Supportive Housing Program gave Emily consistent help with daily living until her condition deteriorated to the point that she had to move in with mom and dad. The oncology teams at Princess Margaret Hospital and the Marotta Family Hospital St. Catharines were superb, as was the palliative visitation care she received through Ontario Health at Home. Over and over again those who provided service commented on Emily’s extraordinary attitude, gratitude and sweetness of character. She will be deeply missed.
Emily’s arrangements have been entrusted to the George Darte Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 at 2 PM at The Salvation Army, 400 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, L2M 7N5. Donations in Emily’s name can be made to The Salvation Army Toronto Harbourlight or to a mental health community support program of your choice.
To view Emily's funeral live, please click the following link: https://m.facebook.com/groups/2256754584/?ref=share