ANN SIMONSEN

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ANN SIMONSEN Ann passed away on February 27, 2019 at Riverview Health Centre. She is survived by her children, Karen (Michael Dow), Paul, Lise and Christine (David Rochette), grandchildren, David Christiansen (Elizabeth), Scott Christiansen, Michael Christiansen, Cleo Syverson, Jack Syverson, Michele Rochette and Marc Rochette, stepgrandchildren, Gillian Romeo (Anthony), Katherine Dow and Elizabeth Dow (Will Coombs), great-grandchildren, Henry and Norah Christiansen, and stepgreat-grandchild Joseph Romeo. Ann was predeceased by her husband Vern in April, 2018. Born in 1935 to Elizabeth Ann (Bessie) and Ross Ironside, Ann grew up in Riverview where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime. She attended Lord Roberts School and Kelvin High School, and in 1956, graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse at both the General and Children's Hospitals until the birth of her first child. She then stayed home, thriving on motherhood and a sisterhood of friends. Ann and Vern were committed to their children, and loved being busy with the demands of raising a young family. Once the children grew up, Ann decided to rejoin the workforce, working part-time at Ram Wools, and then at McNally Robinson Booksellers where for many years she loved her exposure to books and people who were interested in literature and the community. Ann was fully engaged in the happenings of her family and made sure she was always up to date with the comings and goings of her grandchildren. She was a great listener, and her family relied on her common sense. Many would say that her greatest accomplishment was being Vern's patient and practical other half for 60 years! Ann had a real appreciation for art, which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. It was through the Winnipeg Art Gallery that she enjoyed memorable trips to Italy, China, Mexico City and Costa Rica. In later years, as she struggled with health challenges that limited her world, Ann continued to appreciate her art books, her friendships with a terrific circle of women, and her family - especially, her great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Ann's caregivers, Mafi, Lily, Jennet and Lisa, for their kind and compassionate care. There will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pulford Community Living Services Inc., 1146 Waverley Street, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P4, or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2019