Emma Theriault-Tigerheart (née Patricia Nadine Miller)

May 3, 1949 - June 10, 2022

To all my family, friends, colleagues, and clients, it is with sadness and gratitude I am writing my goodbyes to you all.

After many years of autoimmune illnesses and a gradual but serious decline in my health, I decided to request Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). There were many challenges for me over recent years. My quality of life had become so low, especially after the amputation of my right leg. Gradually, I came to the realization that I was ready to receive help from the MAID program. I was assessed by two health practitioners and it was agreed that I qualified. I set the date for June 10, 2022.

I was born on May 3rd,1949, in Truro, Nova Scotia, the 4th of 5 children. My parents were Floyd and Ruth Miller. At school, I did well in academics and in sports. I completed my Grade 12 and went on to NSTC, acquiring a teaching certificate. With the help of scholarships, I went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree at Acadia University. I taught in public schools for the next seven years. Then, I went on to Dalhousie university to study for a Master's Degree in Social Work, graduating in 1980. Because of early childhood sexual abuse, I was driven to help others who had experienced the same. I volunteered to establish both women's centers and sexual abuse centers in Halifax and Moncton. The Canadian Association of Sexual Abuse Centers hired me to represent the Atlantic provinces. This was an enriching experience.

I feel blessed to have had a career that I loved as a Clinical Social Worker. I spent many years living in Vancouver, BC, and that is where I started my private practice. I moved back to my beloved Nova Scotia in 2000 and continued to work in Mental Health. Social workers care deeply about the well-being of people, and I am pleased and proud to have been one of them.

Along the way, I developed a passion for fabrics and sewing, and I learned how to quilt with my friends in our group called "The Sew 'n Sews." This also brought me much enjoyment.

I am sadly leaving behind my wife, Sonya Theriault-Tigerheart, my daughter, Hannah Poole (Adam) in Ottawa, and my siblings Faye Thompson (Keith) in Toronto, Barbara Miller (Wally) in Halifax, Wendy Jeans (Greg) in Windsor, and Dave Miller (Jessica) in Shubenacadie. I also leave behind my three special nieces Sarah, Amy, and Erin and my wonderful nephews Peter, Rowan, Mathew, Jeffrey, and Andrew as well as grandnieces and grandnephews Beckett, Ollie, Lauren, Gavin, Aiden, Blake, and Sam.

Over the years, I developed a deep love and respect for First Nation spiritual practices and beliefs. These have been a wonderful support for me. In this regard, I wish to thank Judd Poulette and his family for their care and attention to my journey. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family doctor, Michelle Saxon, and to Erica Maynard, a Nurse Practitioner who works for the MAID program.