Viola Simmons

(nee de Vries, Roeland)

Viola passed away peacefully at the River East Personal Care Home on Friday, March 14, 2025.

She is survived by her children; Sheila (Grant), Diane (Ron), Marcel (Laurie), and Brenda (Glen): grandchildren; Barrett (Jessica), Amanda (David), Ashley, Shane, Danielle (Shaun), Kylie, Paul, and Braeden: great grandchildren; Logan, Landen, Nevaeh, Austin, Sophie, and Easton. She is also survived by her sister Winifred (Victor) Rowley, brother Morris (Sandra), and sister-in-law Lynn.

Viola was predeceased by her parents Jan (Anne) de Vries; her husband Brian; brothers Harry (Sybil), Leonard (Irene), and Brian; sister Freda (Gerald) Paulsen, and grandson Bruce.

Viola was born on April 20, 1934 in Yellow Grass, Brokenshell RM in Saskatchewan.

Viola moved to Winnipeg as a young lady and started her working career at Canada Packers. She married Rene in 1953 and settled on Dawson Road where they dairy farmed and raised four children. After giving up the dairy they moved to Plessis Road where she continued to grow her vegetables and flowers. Later in retirement Viola remarried and moved into Transcona with Brian. While living there they were active with a Seniors group. In 2018 she moved into a personal care home as her health required her to have full time care.

A special thank you to Wanda, Cassandra, and Hilary for the care and compassion they provided to Viola.

A private family service will be held.