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MARGARET WINNIFRED (JOHNSTON) SIM
Born: Jun 28, 1930
Date of Passing: May 01, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARGARET WINNIFRED (JOHNSTON) SIM
Winnifred ("Winnie") passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024 at the age of 93.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter Margot (Ken), grandchildren, Daniel, Chelsey, Alyssa, Deanna, Rebecca, Holly, Maggie, Michael, Leona, and great-grandchildren, Isla, Jasper, Emma, and Cooper. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, her two elder sisters, Grace and Betty, and her children, Bryan, Paul (Leslie), and Merrily (Randal).
Winnifred was born in Winnipeg and attended Cecil Rhodes School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. She met "bicycle Bill" while working at the City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation Department. They were married for 58 years and happily travelled the world together.
Even at age 3, it was apparent that Winnifred was musically gifted. She was an exceptional accompanist and recitalist, often performing on CBC radio and television. She played for the Manitoba Opera Company, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Rainbow Stage, and soloed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. A tireless committee member and encourager of young musicians, Winnifred was a founding member of the Manitoba Choral Association and chaired the committee which founded the National Youth Choir. Her influence as a teacher, adjudicator, clinician and composer is widely known across Canada.
Winnifred’s love of sacred music began at age 17 when she became organist at Sparling United Church. Her deep love for the music of the church continued for over 60 years as Organist/Choir Leader at Westworth United Church, Elim Chapel and Grace Bible Church ("filling in" long past her retirement). Her affiliation with CBC television’s "Hymn Sing" spanned 30 years (1965 - 1995), first as organist and then as Musical Director.
Known as the "hat lady", Winnifred loved bright colours and entertaining. Her post-retirement hobby was "Show Director" (piano solos, poetry, jokes and sing-alongs) at retirement residences in Arizona, the Royal Scot Hotel (Victoria) and in Winnipeg. She wanted to be remembered as a "lively person with a zest for life". Her mantra was "The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi".
A celebration of Winnifred’s life will be held at Grace Bible Church, 366 Oakwood Ave., Winnipeg, on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to donate to the Manitoba Choral Association Endowment Fund (in memory of Winnifred) online or by cheque made out to "The Winnipeg Foundation" with a note designating the MCA Endowment Fund. Donations help to ensure that her legacy will live on and benefit choirs for years to come. Donations may also be given to Grace Bible Church where Winnifred was a founding member.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2024, May 11, 2024
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I had the pleasure to work with Winnie on her autobiography, A Candid Coda. I had so much fun listening to her stories and learning about her family and faith. She will be missed. - Posted by: Marla Olinyk (Friend) on: May 20, 2024
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I and my family first came to appreciate Winnifred when our parents purchased their first TV. With a father who taught Theology at Queens Theological College, "Hymn Sing" became a staple in our family and we quickly admired Winnifred. Each Sunday evening this was our way of finishing the week, singing along with Winnifred and her group. Years later, I had an opportunity to tell Winnifred in person of our Sunday evening enjoyment with "Hymn Sing". My sister was an accomplished pianist and she would often play the piano along with Hymn Sing while our family sang along with familiar Hymns. Winnifred was a lovely lady who brought much joy into our home. We wish her peace. - Posted by: David R.L. Smith (An admirer of "Hymn Sing" ) on: May 15, 2024
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Margot and Family - I am truly sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Sims but have heard many stories from the Ireton family about her. It sounds like she was a formidable woman with an amazing musical talent. You are in my thoughts as you navigate this difficult time. I wish you serenity and fond memories as you continue on. Sincerely Joclyan - Posted by: Joclyan McDonnell (family friend) on: May 14, 2024
