Emily G. (Crowther) Saleeba

Emily Grace (Crowther) Saleeba was many things to many people. She was a nurse, a wife and mother. To her family, she was an inspiration and the center of their world. Emily died at her home, in Seekonk, after her second battle with cancer. One of five children, Emily was born in Lincoln, RI on 1924, to Emily (Carter) and Samuel Crowther, both of Lancashire, England. As a youth, she had a passion for nursing. After graduating from Cumberland High School, she followed her dream by attending and graduating from the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing. During World War II, the United States federal Government established the Hospital Cadet Nurse Corps. That's when she became a member of the Rhode Island Hospital Cadet Nurse Corps, serving in the armed forces, government and civilian hospitals, health agencies and war related industries. Following the war, Emily worked the next 40 years as a registered nurse. She first worked at Rhode Island Hospital and later as a private duty nurse, giving one-on-one care to clients at home or at nursing homes. She truly fulfilled her lifelong passion for nursing. As dedicated as she was to the nursing profession, Emily was just as dedicated as a wife and mother. Emily married William Saleeba in 1948 and settled in Seekonk, where they had a chicken ranch for many years. She had 3 sons who described her as a good mother who was always supportive. She was married for 52 years until William died in 2000. Emily also had many hobbies. She loved to crochet, bake cookies for her grandchildren, and garden. She also loved to spend time with her family and travel. Following the death of her husband, Emily was diagnosed with cancer. She battled and won her first bout with cancer after a grueling fight. Beating the cancer showed the type of strong-willed and independent person she was. She inspired her family to always keep fighting and to follow their dreams. She is survived by her three children, William, Robert and Michael and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, most of whom live near the family homestead in Seekonk. She also leaves two sisters, Edith Johnson of Maryland and Martha Edwards of Pennsylvania. Preceding her in death are her brothers Milton Crowther of North Carolina and Clifford Crowther of Chepatchet, Rhode Island. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 31'st, at 11:30 AM, in the J.H. Williams & Co. funeral home, 210 Taunton Ave., East Providence, followed by interment in Seekonk Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, May 30'th, from 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the American Cancer Soc., 931 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886-2233.

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