ANN ETTA SIMONSEN

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ANN ETTA SIMONSEN (nee McHAFFIE) 1931 - 2004 The family of Ann Simonsen is deeply saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 of cancer. According to her wishes, she died at home surrounded by her family. Left to mourn her passing are her devoted husband of 53 years Jack; her loving children, Keith (Joanne), Neil, and Stephanie (Jim) her adored grandchildren, Kelli (Mark), Dana (Jennifer), and Jill; and her two sisters, Peggy (Jules) and Pat. She was predeceased by her father Ivan and mother Bernice. Also left to mourn her passing are numerous nephews, nieces, in-laws, and friends. Ann was born in Montreal in 1931 and received her primary and secondary schooling in Montreal West. Here she was an active member of the operatic league where she was the musical accompanist and make up artist. After graduation she attended Mt. Allison University where she graduated cum laude with a degree in arts. While at Mt. Allison she met a dashing Dane working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation who was to become her husband Jack. They married in Montreal in 1952 and set up their first household in Toronto and after a year moved to Dartmouth, NS where they resided until her death. Ann was a devoted mother and gardener, and hosted numerous people during the course of her time in Dartmouth. The hospitality genes, the love of gardening and the recognition of the importance of education she bequeathed to her children. She was an avid musician until arthritis prevented her from playing her much loved piano. Despite numerous medical problems she maintained a rapier wit with and an often ribald sense of humour, characteristics that helped her endure her final struggle with grace and dignity. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Mattatal Funeral Home, 217 Portland St. on Thursday, October 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A service celebrating Anns life will be held at Stairs Memorial United Church, 14 Hester St. on Friday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the Arthritis Society, the Breast Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2004