Obituary of Rose Marie SIMARD (nee Mahoney)

October 3, 1934 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

July 28, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Rose Simard, of Airdrie, AB, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the age of 86 years.

Rose was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 3, 1934. She completed grade twelve in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and went on to become a Radar Technician in 1951 for the Airforce. Mom's career started in the Airforce but when she married in 1953, married women were forced to resign. She had a varied background of work experience throughout the years. Her last employment was over 20 years spent in the Officers Mess in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, as the head waitress. Rose was happily married for 48 years to Gilles, and followed him all over Canada during his thirty-two year career in the Arm Forces. She was also a member of Broadway Across Canada, Stage West and Catholic Women’s League (CWL).

Mom was particularly proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and took an interest in all their achievements.

In her younger years, Rose enjoyed bowling, and was a life time reader. She enjoyed camping and fishing whenever she was given the opportunity. She also loved theater, plays and Circle de Soleil. She loved going to Vegas for the shopping and shows. She had a passion for shopping and her motto was "shop until you drop". Rose’s most memorable vacation was when she traveled to the Bahamas with Gilles for their 30th wedding anniversary.

God saw her getting tired; a cure was not to be.

 He wrapped her in his loving arms and whispered

'Come with me'.

She suffered much in silence, her spirit did not bend.

She faced her pain with courage, until the very end.

 She tried so hard to stay with us but her fight was not in vain, God took her to His loving home

and freed her from the pain.

Mom will be most remembered for her love of family, and the time she was able to spend with them. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her.

Rose is survived by her three daughters and son; Lise and Yves Blanchette of Airdrie, AB, Nicole Simard and Andreas Wahn of Manitoba, Michelle and Tony Koprnicky of Airdrie, AB, Glenn Sweetland of Burnaby, BC, and  Jean Marc and Cathy Simard of Airdrie, AB; her twelve grandchildren, Jonathan, Francois and Jennifer Blanchette, Natalie McFarlane, Cindy Reyher, Jesse Sweetland, Andrew and Yvonne Kopriicky, Chantal Johnston, Richard Simard, Jennifer and Tony, and Ashley Simard; and her twelve great-grandchildren, Kaleb Blanchette, Wyatt Reader, Sienna Blanchette, Nevaeh Blanchette, Sid Begora, Tyrol, Magnus and Aurelia McFarlane, Connor, Hailey and Danielle Johnston.

Rose is also survived by her sisters, Shirley and Terry MacDonald of Halifax, NS, Gloria and Ed Noseworthy of Oshawa, ON, and Marie Wright Ajax, ON. Rose will be fondly remembered by Aunt Agnes MacNeil of Bobcaygeon, ON, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rose was predeceased by her husband Gilles Simard; daughter Danielle Simard Sweetland; brother, John Raymond Mahoney; sister Ann Cooper; and parents Margaret Catherine and Hayward Mahoney.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (1305 Main Street, Airdrie, AB) on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 11:00am. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Simard’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.  

We would like to thank Airdrie Home Care Team for all their support. In Lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to Airdrie and District Hospice Society https://www.airdriehospice.ca/donate

In living memory of Rose Simard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.

Rose's memorial card can be viewed using this link.

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