AUDREY SIMONSON

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AUDREY SIMONSON May 10, 2012 Audrey Elizabeth Simonson passed away in her 93rd year at Carman Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence in 1993, parents Harry and Edith in 1976, and siblings Connie, Gordon, Madeline, Ken, Phyllis, Myra and Laurie.Left with wonderful memories are Audrey's children: Naomi Simonson (Terry), Pam Rose (Bill), Jan Simonson (Claudia), Wendy Blackie (Norman) and Larry Simonson (Sandra); grandchildren: Laurel, Mary Grace, Peter, Lindsay, Erika, Anne, Kate, Kristjan, Tim, Janna and Lisa; and great grandchildren: Natalie, Beau, Tess, Hugh, Jack, Julia and Davis. Also mourning Audrey's passing are brother Herb Franzmann, sisters-in-law Calista, Grace and Esther Franzmann, many dear nieces and nephews, and close friends and neighbours. Audrey was born February 24, 1920, on the Franzmann family farm near Fannystelle, Manitoba. In her early years, she attended Maplestead School two miles from home, then boarded in Fannystelle while attending high school; she completed grade 12 at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Boniface. After teaching for a year at Golden Valley School near Sanford, Audrey married her childhood friend, Lawrence Simonson, and together they farmed and raised their family. Upon retirement in 1980, they built a comfortable home in Carman and in 1992 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Throughout her adult life Audrey was passionate about gardening, needlecrafts and reading. She also liked playing the piano, and she passed on her love of music to her children. Another favorite activity was sewing, which she taught as a 4-H leader from her farm home, and which later led to work in the 4-H office in Carman. She shared her love of the outdoors while camping with family and friends, and also at Summer Winds, the cottage that she and Lawrence built over-looking Pelican Lake. During their retirement, Lawrence and Audrey travelled to the U.S.A. and Europe, often joined by sister Connie, brother Ken and sisters-in-law Lois and Grace. In later years, Audrey mastered the art of hardanger embroidery and also spent time hand-quilting a variety of projects. She enjoyed volunteer work, which included helping at the Carman library. Visitors were always welcome in Audrey's home where she served up coffee, tea, home-baked goodies and good conversation. These visits were cherished, and she never forgot her Fannystelle roots. A service of remembrance will be held at Carman United Church on Wednesday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m., Reverend Harold Kenyon officiating. This will be immediately followed by a luncheon at the church. There will be a private family service of interment in Elm Creek. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Carman Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion during Mom's illness. We also thank Dr. Abdalla and Dr. Woelk for making Mom's last few weeks as comfortable as possible. The family is especially thankful to all who helped Mom over the past few years, enabling her to stay in the home that she loved. If desired, donations can be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, the Carman Palliative Care Program, or a charity of your choice. Doyle's Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2012