MARGARET JEAN SIMUNDSON

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MARGARET JEAN SIMUNDSON June 3, 1935 - September 12, 2016 Jean is survived by sister Anne (Bob) Duncan, sons Chuck (Malcolm Smith) and Bill (Dennis Bishop); daughters Kathy (Dwayne) Shlachetka and Heather (Darren) Dufour; grandchildren Gena, Amanda, Jordyn and Alec; son-in-law Grant Jones, sisters-in-law Emily Collins and Sylvia Zagozewski; brothers-in-law John and Jarald (Anne) Simundson; extended family MaryAnn Monkman and family, Diane Gardarssdottir, and the Nicolaye family as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Jean was predeceased by husband George, parents Charles and Margaret Craik, daughter Elizabeth, special Aunt Anne Parker and mother-in-law Lucy. Mom grew up in East Kildonan. She shared happy memories of her father, a photographer and painter; and of her devoted mother. Mom graduated from Lord Selkirk School and then decided to follow in her mother's and aunt's footsteps and become a teacher. She studied at the Manitoba Normal School (teachers' college) and United College, and taught at Strathcona, Riverview and Pine Dock Schools. Mom's family spent summer holidays on Lake Winnipeg. Her dream was to live on the lake. This came true when she was visiting her friend MaryAnn at Loon Straits and met our Dad. They were married in 1961. They lived at Rabbit Point, Riverton, Little Bullhead and finally settled and raised their family at Pine Dock. Early years were without electricity, running water or telephone. Dad would often have to work away from home. Mom managed to keep us well fed, warm, loved and protected. We called her Momma Bear. Mom was active in community service through the school committee, community council, the 4-H program, and organizing water safety programs. She served as council clerk for over 20 years. She loved to read. She began to crochet when she was 43 and got her first computer at 60. She was an engaged person interested in the news, current events and politics. She was a search engine before the internet. She provided phone support on baking, parenting, gardening, tax, accounting and home repair. Poor eyesight was a struggle in later years, but her mind stayed sharp. It was her grandchildren that kept her engaged and entertained and she loved them all. Mom and Dad remained independent thanks to the support of Kenny and Linda Mowatt, Clifford and Violet Lea, Lorri Monkman, Alfred Lea, John and Bernard Selkirk, Marge Johnston, Aunties Emily and Sylvia, Sherry Rozecki and Daniel Gudbjartson. Thanks to the staff at the Arborg Hospital for their kindness in Mom's final days. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverton Recreation Facilities Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the RM of Bifrost, Box 70, Arborg MB R0C 0A0 in support of the Riverton Handi-Van. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2016