Dorothy Jane Simms

Dorothy Jane Simms passed away May 12, 2026, after a very brief illness. She was surrounded by her family. At 97 years of age, she had lived a very full and rewarding life. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 76 years Terry Simms, daughter Anne Walsh (Donald Walsh) and granddaughters Lauren and Caitlin Walsh. She was pre-deceased by her son Owen Simms (1955-2021)

Dorothy was born in Londonderry and raised in Belfast Northern Ireland where she trained as a pharmacist. At the age of 20 she left her family behind and caught a cargo ship to Singapore. A week later she married the love of her life Terry Simms, a young civil engineer whom she met at Queen’s University dances. In Singapore she lived in luxury with a servant and Terry’s little MGB sports car which she loved to drive fast. After 3 years the couple set off looking for new adventures and settled in Canada, first in Ontario before moving to Nova Scotia in 1969.

Dorothy and Terry’s love of travel and encouragement to travel saw both of their children head off with backpacks after completing University. Dorothy and Terry also travelled to many parts of Europe, United States, Caribbean and Australia, returning to Singapore for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Their love of travel continues to shine through today in their Granddaughters.

Dorothy a dedicated volunteer and an extraordinary organizer, held several executive volunteer positions with the Nova Scotia Engineer’s Wives Association. In 1983 she founded the Nova Scotia branch of International Inner Wheel, the women’s organization within Rotary International, serving until 1989 when Rotary began admitting women as full members negating the need for a separate women’s organization.

Her house was always immaculate and she became known for her cooking prowess especially the legendary Christmas Eve Party. The party which started small ended with up to 3 generations of families all attending. At the end of the night, guests were encouraged to choose a Christmas Ornament to take home for their tree.

Dorothy was always a bit of a crow and could not pass a jewelry store window without looking in. Over the years she collected her fair share of jewellery pieces and had fun redesigning inherited pieces. She also loved her summer days and noon hour swims at the Waegwoltic Club. Even in her dementia, she believed she was still a member and just hadn’t been down for a swim recently.

Dinner table discussions were often lively as Dorothy was a news junkie. She was vocal in her opinions and loved a good discussion. After dinner you did not disturb her as this was her newspaper time and she read it every night cover to cover.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die” (Thomas Campbell). Dorothy’s Legacy and love will continue to live on through her granddaughters, whom she loved deeply and was immensely proud of.

As per her wishes, Dorothy has been cremated. A private family celebration for a life well lived, will be held at a later date. If you would like, donations in her memory may be made to the Rotary Foundation on-line at my.rotary.org (click on donate in top right corner) or a charity of your choice. Online Condolences may be sent to the family through www.jasnowfuneralhome.com