SHILLING, Emelia Linda Doris (née Benson)

February 18, 1943 – August 29, 2026

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the evening of Saturday August 29th in her 83rd year. Loving Mom to Bewabon (Tanya) and Travis (Naomi), sister to Carolyn (John) devoted Nana to Cal and Grandma to Oliver and Arlo. Emelia is predeceased by her husband Arthur Shilling, her parents Emelius and Dora Benson, and her brothers and sisters Thomas, Sandy, Stewart, Ross, Rose, Diane, Peggy and Evelyn. She will be remembered forever by her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Emelia was born into a large and loving family on the Rama First Nation. There, she met her future husband Arthur before moving to Toronto to attend secretarial school. Together they shared an apartment overlooking Riverdale Park East which she would often drive by later in life to recount stories of their days together in the city. In 1976, they returned to Rama to build their home and raise their boys. Sadly, Arthur passed away when the boys were young but with the help of family, Emelia raised them into strong, independent men who devoted themselves to her until her final day.

Emelia was generous and caring, dedicating much of her life to helping those in need through the A.A. program. When her boys went to school in the city, she also returned to school to train as a counsellor to further help those within her local community. She was also a devoted Christian with the United Church and a mentor to children as a Scout leader. Emelia had a creative spirit and was often seen with pen and paper in hand, writing poems and stories. She wasn’t just the wife, mother and friend of artists, she was the muse. She encouraged art and supported it. She was the first to point out a shape in the clouds or something beautiful in nature that needed to be painted. Emelia loved music especially the Paul James Band and Blue Rodeo, always live and closest to the stage. Diagnosed with dementia over a decade ago, she would still brighten at their songs.

Friend, Mother and guide. 

Her family would like to thank everyone at the Rama Seniors Centre for their exceptional level of care over the last six years. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia. Family and friends will be received at the Rama Community Hall, 5950 Rama Road, Rama, on Friday September 4th from 10am-12pm, followed by a service at 12pm. Emelia will rest at the Rama First Nations Cemetery following the service. Please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the Rama United Church in her honour.

'Baama pii'