Obituary of Simone Marie Jeanne Randles

July 6, 1928 - Radville, Saskatchewan

February 26, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Simone Randles of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the age of 95 years.

Simone was born in Radville, SK, on July 6, 1928, to Claudius and Leonie Delaye (nee Carles). She was the younger sister of Claudia and the older sister of Therese and Alice. Her life began humbly; she was born at home on the farm in a three-room house measuring 18 x 24 ft. She used to tell her family about living without running water or electricity, as she was a child growing up during the “Dirty Thirties”. Simone regaled her family with many entertaining stories about growing up on the farm, speaking only French, having “les grandes” and “les petites” sisters, and having to board at the convent in Radville, where she went to school. Since they had to board at the school and there wasn’t much money, only the oldest sister was able to go to school at first. Simone started school at age eight and quickly caught up, doing grades one, two, and three, and learning English in her first year of school. When she was ten years old, her family moved into town, and the meals at home were a huge improvement!

After finishing school, Simone went to work for her father, who owned a gas station, an implement shop, and installed furnaces. Simone handled the pumps, ordered gas and machine parts, and became proficient at tin-smithing. She also enjoyed drinking beer with her dad (much to her mother’s dismay) and was thankful for the years of getting to know her father.

Simone met her husband, Ted Randles, at school when she was eight years old. Ted and Simone married on May 8, 1951, in Radville, and had five children. In 1970, the family moved to Saskatoon, then to Winnipeg in 1972 as Ted pursued his career with the Canadian National Railway. During that time, Simone completed an Arts degree from the University of Manitoba as a mature student and worked for the Manitoba Federation of Labour for many years. There were many Sunday night dinners at their house in Winnipeg, where there were always fresh veggies from her garden. There were also many family Christmases at their house; the most memorable one was when the tree dried out and needles came raining down every time someone tried to pick up a gift!

After Simone and Ted retired, they moved to Kelowna, BC, to escape the cold Manitoba winters. There, they enjoyed many happy times with family and friends. Many family members came to visit Kelowna—there was always a spare bedroom and a pull-out couch for loved ones. Family visits were never complete until they had an obligatory photo by the rock in the front yard. They travelled extensively and enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. Simone was an avid bridge player, enjoyed cross-stitching, and was a gifted painter. Her work adorns the homes of her children and grandchildren. In 2021, Ted passed away, and Simone moved to Calgary to be closer to her children.

Left to mourn her loss are her children, Deborah (Lee Britton), Christine (Randall Swanson), Jane, Brant (Margo Stephenson), and Garth (Charlene Smith); eleven grandchildren, Stacy, Scott, Sarah, Derek, Erica, Sydney, Sasha, Erin, Libby, Jaden, and Kayla; and twelve great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are her sisters, Claudia Fradette of Radville, SK, and Therese Martin of Penticton, BC; as well as her in-laws, Genevieve and Bruce Irwin of Humboldt, SK, and Lynn and Norm Rogers of Assiniboia, SK.

Simone will be greatly missed. She was loving, gentle, and an inspiration to her family. Despite her humble beginnings, she kept up with the changes in the world, even texting her grandkids in her later years! The world was a better place with her in it, but we are grateful that she is at peace.

Simone and Ted will be interred this summer in Radville, SK.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Simone’s family here.

In living memory of Simone, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Rest in peace, Mom, may you be united with Dad and those who preceded you to heaven!