part 2:We visited the Merritt Mountain Music festival several times and attended many performances throughout the lower mainland over the years. 

Family and friends were always the most important things in her life.  These became even more so once she retired.  She enjoyed frequent lunch visits, regular Canasta games, visits to the Casino, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  For years she supplied turnovers to the entire family, as 2 weeks each August (depending on when the apples ripened) was set aside to make enough to fill up the freezer. She also enjoyed following her soaps (Hello there Young & Restless), and watching the Canuck games on T.V.  She could name every player and his number, even with all the changes throughout the years.  

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she spent the next couple of years battling the disease.  The treatments, while successful, left her weakened and did slow her down a bit.  They didn’t change her enjoyment of life and being with family and friends.  If anything, these times became even more important to both of us.  

Early on in our marriage, she made it quite clear who was boss, and it wasn’t me.  She quickly disabused me of any notion that I could make plans or any decision, for that matter, without ‘consulting’ (read – getting permission) with her first.  During our 40+ years of marriage, she was my confidant, my conscience, and my comfort when I was having difficulty; and I hope I was hers as well.  We argued and disagreed on occasion, and shared a lot of laughs and good memories.  When we learned the cancer had returned in July of this year, she accepted it much calmer than I did.  She was determined to enjoy the time we had left:  making one more trip out to Harrison Lake, visiting gardens, and making a couple more trips to the local casino.  She passed away at home, in her own bed, surrounded by family one day short of her birthday.

Frieda was born on Sept. 7, 1942 in the Ukraine.  Her family fled the Russian army and followed the German retreat, ending up in a refugee camp in Holland.  Eventually the family was sponsored by a Mennonite family and travelled to Canada, ending up in Yarrow in late 1948.  Later in life, Frieda always claimed to dislike camping as she had spent her early childhood hiking and camping out as the family fled west.  The few times she was talked into trying, unfortunately, always seemed to have the effect of confirming her preference for warm and comfortable hotels.  

Her family worked on farms, before acquiring their own.  The kids were all expected to help out  and to contribute any earnings to the family income - something that Frieda didn’t particularly agree with.  Frieda worshipped her mother, who worked hard to spoil and care for her own children, and eventually their spouses and children.  Eventually she struck out on her own.  She married Bud Scott, and had two children, Dwayne and Russell, but eventually the family split up and Bud and Frieda were divorced.  As a single mom for many years Frieda worked in restaurants, then at Potter’s Distillery, then finally at Scott Paper.  

In 1980 she met and began dating Russ Simpson.  In 1981 they moved in together, then married on Dec. 17, 1982.  The family grew to include Tim, Sean, and Denise.  Frieda was a warm and loving mother who followed in her mother’s footsteps by trying to spoil all the kids as much as possible. Trips to Disneyland, Reno, the Oregon Coast, and once a cross-Canada trip to the East Coast were all part of the adventures.  One memorial Christmas was spent at Manning Park with all the family, something Frieda always spoke fondly of. On another memorable occasion she joined her sister on a cruise, something she had always dreamed of.  Trips to music festivals and shows were also popular, as country music was a big part of Frieda’s life.  She and Agnes travelled to Nashville one year.

My mom's best times were the times she spent with her family and friends. Especially towards the end, she lived for her visitors. I know just how many people loved her, and how many people loved her. I encourage everyone to share pictures and there favourite memories of mom here.  
Rest in peace mom.  I miss you more than words can say 

Grandma lived for her grandchildren & great grand children.  Here is a resent picture of my mom and Josh. We miss you mom 

OBITUARY

Frieda Simpson

7 September, 1942 – 6 September, 2023

Woodlawn Funeral Home

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