Obituary of Dolena 'Dollie' Simms, N.W.

It is with sadness and broken hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and aunt on March 6, 2020 at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital with her family at her side. Born in New Waterford in the year 1919 on Sept. 30, she was a daughter of the late Allan and Mary Agnes (Gracie) Graham. During the 2nd World War, Dollie worked at a munitions plant in Ajax, ON. She was an accomplished hairdresser and taught at Chez Leon in Sydney, then operated her own salon in New Waterford for many years. She worked for Tamblyn Drugs at K-Mart and was employed at the Midtown Drug Store in New Waterford until her retirement. She was a Nova Scotia Champion in curling and bowling leagues. She was a Lionette and a former president of the New Waterford Canadian Cancer Society. Dollie loved to travel and visited many places in Canada and the U.S.A. For 21 years, she wintered in Florida with her husband, Harold. While in Florida, they were members of St. Michael Church and volunteered with the local St. Vincent de Paul food bank and clothing room. Her last two summers were spent in her trailer in Baddeck. Mom loved and had a special talent for her many crafts which included knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, ceramics and stained glass. In her later years, she knitted caps for the babies in NICU at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital as well as hats and scarves for the homeless. She loved going to the casinos, restaurants and playing on her iPad. Dollie is survived by her four children, Sandra Simper, Halifax, Margo, at home, Graham (Bev) and David (Donna), both of New Waterford. Also, her two granddaughters, Tanya Simper and Danielle Boudreau (Robert); two great-grandchildren, Layton and Luke Boudreau and another great grandchild expected in May, all of whom she adored.She will forever be missed by her fur baby, Kasee. Dollie is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold; an infant son; son-in-law, Allan Simper; sisters, Mayme Dieltgens, Gertrude Graham, June Keefe, Noreen Patriquin, Emma Gillis; brothers, Richard, Bobbie, Billie, Charles, Douglas, Lester 'Buddy' and Bernard. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. A luncheon will follow at St. Leonard's Parish Hall on Convent Street. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Theresa's or a charity of choice. Mom, we will continue to miss and love you all the days of our lives, but we know you are so happy with Daddy. Please continue to watch over us now as you did in life. "Don't Forget to Dance"