Nona was born August 14, 1927 to Rear Admiral Charles Hartman and Claire Stoltenberg Hartman. Due to her father’s Military service, Nona travelled extensively throughout the Pacific, and took an interest in Chinese culture including their furniture. She attended 16 schools for her K-12 education, including 3 High Schools during her senior year. Nona attended UCLA from 1948-1950, then delayed her college education to wed Paul “P.A” Sims and raise seven children! In 1980 Nona attended UCSD to complete her Bachelors of Arts degree and join the workforce as an Office Manager at St. James Church in Solana Beach, CA.
Nona met P.A. in 1948 when Paul was a young Naval Officer. After a whirl-wind romantic courtship, they married on June 24 1950 in Beverly Hills, CA. The first few years of marriage was bustling between duty locations. After two children they decided to leave the Navy and settle down in Norwalk, CT for 22 years and seven children. In 1976 they moved to Solana Beach, CA. Family was always Nona’s most important priority, and she was thrilled when all of her children made the migration to the San Diego area to join them. This year, 2021, marked the 71th wedding anniversary for this good-looking couple!
Nona pursued many passions: Art and Photography, Sailing, dog training, bicycle riding, public speaking through the Toast-Masters association, and she loved to dance! She was a docent at the San Diego museum of Art for 10-years. She loved listening, and dancing to, her husband’s piano playing at home and multiple gigs. Nona was P.A.’s biggest fan!
Nona is survived by her husband of 71 years, Paul Andrew Sims, their six children: Pam Rose, Claire Sims, Nona Sims Drucker, Paul Sims Jr., Greg Sims, and Jennifer Sims Haller; In-laws David Drucker, Jeanne Sims and Eric Haller; and grandchildren: Corey, Jeff, Danielle, and Matt Rose; Rachel and Paul Drucker; Nona and Katie Haller; Kai Sims; and her sister Diane Hartman. Nona was preceded in death by her daughter Deirdre in 2019 and brother Chuck in 2020.
Thank you for your wonderful life Nona/Mom – for being the best Mother and Wife you could be! You were a perfect example to your children; “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything” attitude that defines the gracefulness of your generation.
Services for Nona will be held at 2PM on Saturday July 31st at Saint James Church in Solana Beach, CA, with a reception to follow.
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