DORIS SIMMONDS

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DORIS SIMMONDS It is with a great and solemn sense of loss that the family and friends of Doris Simmonds mourn her passing. She is survived by her loving husband Harvey "Spike" Simmonds; and her three sons, Eliyohu and his wife Bat Shevah, Saul and his wife Shelley, and Benson; as well as her 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Doris "Dodi" Simmonds, born April 1, 1919 spent her early years in Argyle, MB with her father Isaac, mother Chana, and brother Izzy, all of whom predeceased her. Doris was often responsible for running the I. Wolson Mercantile store, which was a focal point for the community. The family eventually moved to Winnipeg, where Doris met and married Harvey and they opened the London Style Shop, which thrived on Main Street and later Portage Avenue for over 20 years. The store reflected Doris magnanimous personality, it served as a centre for Doris flair for style, was run with love, and a sense of family that created an atmosphere of warmth for the many steady customers, friends, and staff who loved and respected her. When "the London" ceased to exist in 1972, Doris went on to manage stores for Rickis and Irene Hill until her retirement. Even then she continued to serve the patrons and many friends who had come to depend on her by shopping for them when asked. Her spare time was spent tending her sons store, "Eliyohus", a cornerstone of the Jewish Community for many years, winning her more new friends. Her sense of family, humour and tireless efforts on behalf of others was well known. She, with her husband Harvey were founding members of the Bnay Abraham Synagogue. Doris often gave of herself, by putting on fashion shows for charitable organizations. She was a constant support for her family and others, spending time as a volunteer at the Sharon Home, years before she and Harvey took up residence there. Always putting others before herself, she cared tirelessly for her father, then her mother, and finally her brother Izzy, all of whom were nursed by her and remained in her home until their deaths. Education was a mainstay in her home, and she was proud of her sons careers, Eliyohu who became a Rabbi, Saul, a lawyer, and Benson, an actor. Most of all, family was important to her. She instilled her home with warmth and levity, and created a loving place to return to, to be fulfilled, and filled. Lets not forget her fabulous meals, in particular her barley soup, and chopped liver. Doris touched many lives with her kindness, affection, strength and enduring efforts to brighten up others lives. She always saw the world as a bright place filled with joy and wonder, gifts she imparted to her children and grandchildren. Funeral service at 10:00 a.m., September 25, at the Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main St.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2001