Martha Jean Simons

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom, grandma, GG, aunt and friend to many, Jean Simons, Sept 11th, 2022, at Hospice House, Kelowna B.C.

Jean is survived by her children, Joy (Barry) Huculak, Merrie-Jean "M.J " (Patrick) Mulhern, Tom (Nadine) Simons, Shelley (Glen) Sondergaard and Tod (Renee) Simons.

Grandchildren Rebecca (Zach) Bell, Derrick Chute, Michael Simons, Jacob Simons, Devon (Ariel) Helm, Tyler Helm, Emily Sondergaard, Kyle Simons, Cody Simons.

Her "Littles" great-grandchildren, Jackson Helm, Alexis Helm, Lucy Bell, Asher Bell.

Her bonus grandchildren Rebecca Austin, Kristi (Paul) Pecor, Tod Helm, Jason Helm.

Her bonus great grandchildren Mikaela and Brendan Austin, Brodie, Quinn and Maxx Pecor, Creston and Kasper Helm.

Her nieces Linda Wilson, Doreen (Kevin) Wilson, Sandi (Joe) Matheson, and nephews Jamie (Anne) Wilson, Dan (Carol) Wilson, Jerry (Romanie) Stewart.

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Jack, her parents William and Martha Wilson, great grandson Paxton Bell, brothers Bud and Fred Wilson, and nephew Jim Stewart.

Jean was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She cared deeply for her family as well as her neighbours and friends. She didn’t care for others out of obligation, but because of the kind of woman she was – kind, compassionate, loving, and supportive. Mom was always the first to lend a helping hand. She excelled at loving and supporting her family through the many passions and difficulties in our lives. She had a way of improving the lives of all of us with her common sense, her loving smile, and her kind sweet manner.

She was passionate about supporting the community and so when she wasn’t filling her family and friends lives with warmth and kindness, you could find her volunteering for many organizations such as Community Policing for the RCMP, Red Cross and Ten Thousand Villages. She also volunteered at the Thrift Shop at First United Church. The church was a large part of our lives growing up. She loved singing in the church choir and her and our father were long time members of the Couples Club. The relationship formed with these couples withstood the test of time. Such a wonderful group of people who were part of our lives for decades.

Mom was an amazing baker, and her skills were put to good use when Sun Rype Products hired her in 1969. She would bake pies in the food lab which in turn were served to a panel of taste testers who rated the quality of Sun Rype’s pie fillings. We are sure mom’s pastry was the winning ingredient that contributed to the success of Sun Rype’s pie filling. Although her pies were amazing, it was time to put her secretarial skills to good use, so she eventually secured a position in the office as the Executive Secretary to the General Manager. She loved her job and stayed with Sun Rype until she retired in the early 80’s.

In her later years she moved to Sandalwood Retirement Resort where she spent 8 years enjoying independent living. She was actively involved in the Knitting Club and was a strong competitor on her Wii Bowling team. She loved spending time with her friends and enjoyed being part of the activities offered. We would like to extend our thanks to the staff and residents of Sandalwood for the joy and companionship that Mom received over the years. We are so very grateful.

Also, we cannot forget the wonderful staff at KGH and Central Okanagan Hospice House who made mom’s last few weeks comfortable and dignified. Thank you for the care, support, and guidance you provided.

A private Celebration of Life will be held October 22, 2022

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jean’s memory to the KGH Foundation or Central Okanagan Hospice House.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299