Obituaries

SIMONS, Martha (Jean)

Simons, Martha "Jean" May 10, 1926-Sept 11, 2022

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

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Sep 21, 2023
I was walking in Brandts Creek Linear Park and came across Jean and Jack's memorial bench beside the duck pond. A beautiful peaceful setting and a lovely spot for a visit with two wonderful people of First United Church. Bless their memories. - Benita Worley - Benita Worley
Sep 28, 2022
My condolences to Jean's family. I was living across the hall from her in Sandalwood. She was a beautiful lady and always a smile.

- Bonnie Corrigan
Sep 28, 2022
To the Simons family my condolences on the passing of Jean. We met at the Red Cross 15 years ago,where Jean and Dori trained me in Client Service. I will be forever grateful for her caring calm demeanor during training. It worked as I am still a volunteer at the Red Cross. - Heather E.
Sep 21, 2022
MJ and family - your mom was such a gentle spirit and an inspiration for how to grow old gracefully. I hope to follow her excellent example. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love Carol and Darryl Harvey - Carol Harvey
Sep 21, 2022
To the Simons family, I was very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing your Mom through her volunteering with the RCMP's Community Policing programming - she was a true gem and delight to work with. My sincere condolences to the entire family. - Colleen Cornock, City of Kelowna. - Colleen Cornock
Sep 21, 2022
To the entire Simons family. I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's death. I have many wonderful memories of your Mom and Dad at the church and many fond memories of each of you from seeing you at "the Drs. office", seeing you at the Pharmacy and traveling with your Mom to see Mrs. P in Vernon. Talking to Jean about the curling and hearing about all the grand's and the great grands. You all have such great memories of your Mom and Dad and you have each other to help you through this difficult time. Love to all of you. Beryl Itani - Beryl Itani
Sep 20, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. I first met Jean when I started working at Sun-Rype and always remember how friendly and welcoming she was. In later years I would see her out walking her little dog and would occasionally bump into her on walks along Valley Road or along the path at Sandalwood. Whenever I drive down Valley Road I think of her. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family. She was a kind and lovely woman and I know she will be very missed. - Judy Lang
Sep 20, 2022
Ah, so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. Such a lovely lady. I so enjoyed visiting with her at church, and also when we saw her walking her puppy in Glenmore. We received the gift of her smile many times. Thank you so much Jean.

/Benita and Dan Worley - Benita Worley
Sep 20, 2022
Dear Simons family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Jean. She was such a kind and caring wonderful person! During my employment at Sandalwood I got to know Jean quite well and she was a gem! I'm grateful that I got to meet many of you - her family as well. Her kindness was evident in you....as I watched you caring for all her needs so well. May you have peace during this very difficult time. Tina Peterson - Tina Peterson
Sep 20, 2022
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing Thinking of you all

KIM AMORIM (Deleurme) - KIM AMORIM
Sep 20, 2022
Dear M.J. & family - We're very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Hold your memories dear. Sending you hugs, - Jayne & Don Stolz
Sep 20, 2022
It is with sorrow that we read of your mom’s passing away. Jean and Jack were dear friends with my parent ( Art & Helen Currie) before either of them were married. Jack and Art were in the Air Force together. Jean and Helen were roommates in Saskatoon. They remained close friends over all the years of raising their families and then into retirement. They were a wonderful, caring couple whom we are pleased to have had the privilege of knowing. Even after my parents and Jack passed away, Jean would continue to keep in touch with my wife (Bobbie)and myself. Keep those beautiful memories of a great lady close to your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers Bobbie & Bruce Currie - Bruce Currie
Sep 20, 2022
Jean was a wonderful, happy and very kind neighbour of ours on Kennedy Street. We truly enjoyed chatting while our dogs visited.

She looked forward to her move to Sandlewood years ago, although the one thing she said she’d miss was baking.

It wasn’t too long ago that we talked again and she looked very good, as she always did. We were neighbours once again, as we bought right across the street!

Sending condolences to her family.

- Char & Pete Jones
Sep 20, 2022
condolences to you and your family.

our thoughts are with you.

Garry and Linda T. - g. threlfall
Sep 20, 2022
Dear MJ, Rebecca, and family,

This beautifully written obituary demonstrates what a role model and inspiration your Mom and Grandmother has been for her generations of family. So happy her long life enabled Jean's "littles" to be wrapped in GG hugs. I wish you all peace filled with cherished memories and comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved and predeceased cherished ones. - Andrea C. of North Van
Sep 20, 2022
Shelley, Tod, and family:

We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Our thoughts are with you.

Lance and Michelle Marshall - Lance Marshall
Sep 20, 2022
MJ and family. I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a lovely person, ever cheerful and a wonderful friend to my mom. I know you have plenty of memories to treasure. May they and the love of family and friends bring you comfort.

Barb Hoy - Barb Hoy
Sep 20, 2022
Dear Joy and family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the demise of your dear mother. I hadn’t spoken with her for some time but I will always remember how bright and outgoing she was. I trust you have many great memories.

Rick Pushor
Sep 20, 2022
Mrs. Simons was a woman of elegance and passionate for life . She was so respectful of people . She will be missed

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Domenic and LIna Rampone - Domenic Rampone
Sep 20, 2022
Shelly and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom,. Mrs Simon's, was always there with an open door and big smiles, plus a little word of don't be late for school. She was such a lovely lady. Keep the memories close . - Diane Biggar Wright
Sep 19, 2022
It is with sorrow that we read of your mom’s passing away. Jean and Jack were dear friends with my parent ( Art & Helen Currie) before either of them were married. Jack and Art were in the Air Force together. Jean and Helen were roommates in Saskatoon. They remained close friends over all the years of raising their families and then into retirement. They were a wonderful, caring couple whom we are pleased to have had the privilege of knowing. Even after my parents and Jack passed away, Jean would continue to keep in touch with my wife (Bobbie)and myself. Keep those beautiful memories of a great lady close to your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers Bobbie & Bruce Currie - Bruce Currie
Sep 19, 2022
To The Simons family.

Please know just how honoured and privileged all of us in our family have always felt to count ourselves as friends to your dear mother and father. We will always remember them with great affection.

Chris Gilmour.
Sep 19, 2022
Dear family.......your mom and dad were very good friends of my parents, Fred/Elsa Bieller who passed many years ago, but they hosted birthday/anniversary parties for my parents on their property.....They were an awesome couple, Jean was always smiling and quick on wit......So blessed to call them "true friends through thick and thin.......Cherish the memories that you have of your parents......

Jordan - Enid Nikolic, Coldstream....... - Enid Nikolic
Sep 19, 2022
We lived just a couple of doors down from your family in the '60's on Kennedy St. Your mum was always so welcoming and gentle and we loved playing at your home. Your whole family was always so kind and I still think of those days often. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. God bless you.

Sharon Heywood Pranil - Sharon Heywood Pranil
Sep 19, 2022
Please accept my most heart-felt condolences. I knew Jean at during my time at Sandalwood and am truly saddened to know that she is gone. Jean made many a hard day so much better for those around her. Her kindness, gentle laugh and understanding where just a few of the things that I treasured about her. She will be sorely missed.

Sarah Spinks
Sep 19, 2022
Joy and family. So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. May your special memories comfort you in the coming days. Sincerely Kacy Renneberg - Kacy Renneberg
Sep 19, 2022
My condolences to you on the loss of your mom. I often ran into Jean at Sandalwood when visiting my mother. She was a lovely, pleasant lady to chat with. - Kathy Moslin
Sep 19, 2022
Dear Tod and Renee and family

Bill and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mother. She was a busy lady and lived a full and active life. Losing a parent is hard and we are thinking of you at this sad time. - Judy and Bill MacKenzie
Sep 19, 2022
M.J -

I am thinking of you and your family - I loved it when your mom would spare at Bunco - she was such a kind lady with the most amazing smile.

Love Sheri Keller - Sheri Keller
Sep 19, 2022
I was in shock to read of Jean's passing. She was such a great person - we had

many conversations and many walks together with our pooches.

Will miss her.

Condolences to the family.

Cathy Poole - Cathy Poole
Sep 19, 2022
Shelley and family, I’m very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of your mom. Thinking of you. - Jill Benzer
Sep 19, 2022
Dear Todd NOBBY and I are sorry to hear of your moms passing,know that we are thinking of your family at this time . - Nobby Gen Wildemann
Sep 19, 2022
Sorry to read of your mother’s passing. She was a lovely lady. Cherish the happy times. Jim Oakes