September 9, 1943 - March 21, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that the family of the late Joy Simms (nee Cull) announce the passing of their beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend at the age of 78 years. She passed peacefully away at St. Claire’s Hospital with her loving family by her side. She will be sadly missed, fondly remembered and forever cherished by her husband of nearly 50 years Neil; children: Trent (Treena), Chad (Betty); grandchildren: Dilan, Alisha and Patrick; siblings: May; Doris (Tom); Gaye (Charles); Millicent (Ernest); Wavey (Eli); Wayne(Sharon); Gerald (Nina); Val (Jane); Kevin (Yvonne); Brother-in-law: Roger; As well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
She was predeceased by her father: Joshua Cull; mother: Gertrude Cull; father-in-law: Richard Simms; mother-in-law: Lottie Simms; sister-in-law: Sharon Boland; brothers-in-law, Sam Kinsella and Dennis Patey.
Joy was known for her unconditional love of her family, quiet demeanour, fierce independence, sheer determination, and love of any activity that involved the outdoors. Sitting outside with her cup of tea on beautiful sunny days surrounded by her flowers was one of her favourite things to do.
For Joy, family was everything. Growing up in Brehat with her parents and 9 siblings, she learned very early in life that unconditional love was the foundation of a great family. When she met and married the love of her life, Neil, she carried on that legacy by creating a loving home with her husband and her two boys and then later with the addition of daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Watching her family grow gave Joy the desire to embrace life. She always set a new milestone she wanted to reach, something else to experience with her family.
Some of the best times of her life were shared with her family and friends, especially when her grandchildren were involved. Her heart would overflow with awe and pride when she would watch Dilan and Alisha sing and play their guitars so beautifully. She also loved that you could count on Patrick to lighten up a family gathering with one of his jokes. The hot sun and laughter on her down south trips with her sisters were always good for her soul and the decades of the Saturday night get togethers with Neil, Terry and Pauline for a game of cards were also cherished times.
She lived fully and contributed in some way to almost every event our community had to offer whether that was a winter carnival, a come home year celebration, a prize bingo for someone going through a rough time or her contributions to the UCW. She did not want to miss anything.
Joy devoted her life to making others feel good about themselves. There are precious few people who can make people feel as good as a great hair stylist can. Her love for her craft and her commitment to her customers kept her making that daily trek back and forth across Simms Lane to the Beauty Shop for more than 50 years. Her unwavering commitment to others showed us that she was just as beautiful on the inside and she was on the outside.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the numerous healthcare professionals at Charles Curtis Memorial Hospital and St. Claire’s Hospital; their expertise, compassion and patience will never be forgotten; and to the friends, and family who have helped in so many ways, sent words of encouragement and supported the entire family over these past few months, thank you!
Visitation to take place from Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 2-4 pm (public) and 7-9 pm (private). The funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2:00 pm from the St. Anthony United Church with Rev. John McGonigle officiating. Interment to follow. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Patey, Funeral Director.
“A loved one never leaves you,
They are never far away.
They watch you from a distance
And guide you every day.
They do become your angel
And look down from above.
A loved one never leaves you
Because you always have their love.”