Ella Emma Dunn was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and spent her early adult years working at the local Lucky Strike cigarette factory. After leaving the United States, she traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she worked as a nanny for a doctor’s family before eventually settling in Lethbridge.

Known for her independence and determination, she opened Emma’s Hot Tamale Parlor at 318–3 Ave. S., quickly becoming a familiar and welcoming presence in the community of Lethbridge via her cooking and hospitality.

“Diners remember Emma as a handsome, neat and tidy Black woman, smartly clothed in a black dress, white apron, and white collar. Her specialty was hot tamales, described as hamburger meat rolled in a fresh corn leaf, tied at either end, rolled in cornmeal, and covered with a spicy sauce of ripe olives, tomatoes, and other ingredients.” - The Mathesis Club of Lethbridge, 100 Years in 100 Women | 1885 - 1985 ,

After closing her café, Emma transformed her home into a boarding house that welcomed Black railway porters and visitors seeking connection within the local Lethbridge community. She also fostered children from diverse backgrounds, offering stability and guidance. Her kitchen became a lively gathering place filled with stories, music, and friendship.

Ella Emma Dunn lived to 105, cared for by people who considered her family. Remembered for her generosity and resilience, she left a legacy of community, compassion, and belonging. Her life continues to inspire as a powerful example of kindness shaping a city’s history.

The Mathesis Club of Lethbirdge was organized in 1912 by a group of women interested in supporting and promoting cultural activities in the Lethbridge area. The club's name was taken from a Greek word meaning "searcher of knowledge" – Alberta on Record

The Heart of Old Lethbridge: Ella Emma Dunn