Norma Simms

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NORMA ISABEL SIMMS
(Anderson, nee Lawrence)
Apr. 22, 1936-Jan. 22, 2020

It is with heavy hearts the family of Norma Isabel Simms announce her passing from this world into her Lord and Saviour’s loving arms on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, after many years of numerous health issues.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Herb and her daughter Deborah.

Mom is survived by four sons, Wayne (Shelley), Jim (Debra), Ken (Sara) and Greg; four stepsons, Mike (Shelley), Sam, Norman and Kevin; 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Mom was born on Apr. 22, 1936. Mom’s childhood was not an easy one, but as Mom said, “Times were different then.” Mom was married at age 15 to William Anderson and together they had five children. They lived in Leifur, MB on a farm with 20 cows, commercial fishing in winter, and any jobs that came up. They fostered children to help on the farm and supplement income. Our family was blessed with Kenneth, Lloyd and Murillia who were part of the family for many years.

In the mid ‘70s Mom would become a single parent and once again found herself in challenging times.

Living in Brandon, MB, Mom worked as a hairdresser and also picked up any available night shifts in the local bars as a waitress/server to make ends meet.

It was not long before Mom headed west to Alberta, which is where she met and married Herb Simms in the early ‘80s. When the economy in Alberta crashed, Mom and Herb made their way to Newfoundland and, although Mom loved Herb’s homeland and especially the people, this would only be temporary as the work in that province was scarce as well. Mom and Herb eventually settled in Orleans, ON where they lived and worked for over 20 years. Mom loved travelling and meeting people and always had wonderful stories of adventures she would share with anyone. Most people Mom and Herb met through the years became lifelong friends and Mom was still in contact with many of them through telephone calls or emails.

In 2007, Mom and Herb settled in Sprague, MB to spend their retirement years. Mom loved her home and friends in Sprague, but in December 2017 she sold her home and moved to Steinbach to be closer to her husband who was a resident in Niverville’s Heritage Lodge. Mom then made the decision in April of 2019 that she was no longer comfortable living alone and decided to move to Bethesda Place in Steinbach.

Mom will most be remembered for her big smile, contagious laugh, love of bingo and card games. Trips to the casino were another favourite thing to do for Mom and we are confident in saying she was one of the luckiest people no matter what entertainment she was enjoying.

The family would like to say “thank you” to all of the home-care workers over the years who because of their care, Mom was able to stay in her own home longer than even she expected. Finally, to the Bethesda Place staff, Bethesda Hospital staff, ambulance attendants who cared for Mom over the past eight months, you have all been a part in Mom’s final chapter of her life and there are no words that can express our appreciation of each of you. May God bless you all.

A celebration of Mom’s life was held on Monday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Sprague & Area Hall in Sprague, MB, with burial at Sprague Cemetery, Sprague, MB.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sprague Baptist Church, P.O. Box 48, Sprague, MB, R0A 1Z0.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel Co-op 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030; www.birchwoodfuneralchapel.com.

As published in The Carillon on Jan 29, 2020