Stephenville Crossing

Leaving us with a legacy of her love and a life well lived for 93 years we sadly announce the passing of our dear mother Mercedes (Merce) Simmons on September 10, 2017. She passed away at the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre, Stephenville Crossing. She was predeceased by her husband Eric Hugh Simmons in 2014.

She leaves to mourn one son Randy (Peggy Power) and four daughters: Judy (Vince Parsons), Valerie (Terry Broadbent), Vicki (Kelly Tompkins), Marsha (Craig Wilson) and Barbara Kelly, another of Mom's "girls." She was a loving grandmother to Meredith Macleod, Alex Macleod, Joel Parsons, Rebecca Wilson and Andrew Wilson. Her grandkids got to see the playful side of Grandma Merce. She doted on the faraway grandchildren during their holiday visits, and she had the pleasure of watching Joel grow up. She also leaves to mourn her sisters: Regina Bosacki (Calif.), Ann Madore (Mississauga), her sisters-in-law Phyllis Simmons (Corner Brook) and Beulah Power (Mount Pearl), as well as a large family of nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Mom loved her community. Her volunteer work in Stephenville Crossing spanned decades; she worked with the Red Cross, Women's Institute, Altar Society, Ladies Auxiliary of the Bay St. George LTCC, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Assumption Parish Church Council. Her affiliation with Assumption Parish as an Extraordinary Minister gave her particular joy. Countless trays of sandwiches were assembled for evening meetings and she carried out her volunteer work in the company of her dearest friends.

Mom was generous. She particularly loved to feed people; there were always tins filled with baking in the event of unexpected visitors. Her homemade bread and rolls were legendary. Mom was a night owl, and her great pleasure was having someone to share a nightcap and conversation with late in the evening. Her home was a sanctuary to all who visited and she made it look effortless. She was an energetic, positive lady who did everything in moderation. When the nest was finally empty she worked part-time helping Dad run his business at the Imperial Oil bulk plant. In her early sixties she worked at the newly founded Happy Tots' Day Care Centre where she was a natural with the little ones. An avid walker, she and Dad exercised at Black Bank for many years and well into her eighties she continued her daily walks around town. She took up cross country skiing at 60 years of age and loved weekend skiing at the Whaleback Ski Club. We fondly remember our mother as a terrible driver, charming flirt, social butterfly and keen lover of fashion. When dementia stole away her memories she remained a dignified lady with impeccable manners.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dinah Billard, Mom's Personal Care Worker whom she loved, Geraldine Young, her dedicated friend and assistant, and the management and staff of the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre. Their dedication to Mom goes unsurpassed and they made her last years happy, safe and comfortable. In accordance with her wishes Mom has been cremated; her funeral is entrusted to Fillatre's Funeral Home, Stephenville Crossing. Visitation, Funeral Mass and inurnment will be announced at a later date. Persons wishing to make donations in Mom's memory can kindly do so by supporting the Assumption Parish Cemetery Fund or the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre.