Passed peacefully away on October 15, 2020, aged 88 years, into the Loving Arms of God, her parents and her two sisters, Jean and Marjorie. Ada was born on September 21, 1932 to Charlie Simms of Fogo and Bessie Clarke-Simms formerly of Springdale. She grew up as a child in St. John’s on Lesley Street, the youngest of three children. Ada moved from St. John’s to Clarkes Beach in 1972 and it was there that she lived out her life until her admission to long-term care in 2015. Ada leaves to mourn a circle of family and friends whom she adored and loved until her passing.
Ada was a true trailblazer who achieved many milestones in her 40 years of nursing before she retired in 1993. She was one of the very first nurses in the province to have obtained a postgraduate diploma. In 1959, Ada obtained her Bachelor of Nursing Science degree from McGill University and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta. Other accomplishments included receiving a Master’s of Theology degree from Queen’s College and being recognized for her exemplary service and devotion to the public when she was named Serving Sister of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, an honour bestowed upon her by the Governor General of Canada in 1999.
All throughout Ada’s life she felt it was important to give of her knowledge and time by serving on various committees and associations. She was a strong advocate for changes in Newfoundland’s healthcare system and especially those that would have a positive impact on the province’s people. She also was quite passionate about and contributed to many other worthwhile causes such as the eradication of the exploitation of children and the prevention of cruelty to animals. Ada was a strong force to be reckoned with and a very independent woman. She loved Newfoundland dearly having said many times that this would always be her home of choice even though she had travelled and seen many other places.
From a professional standpoint, Ada had contributed significantly to the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL) and even served as its President from 1980 to 1982. During this time, the association carried out many ventures under her leadership such as the hosting of the Canadian Nurses Association biennial, the purchasing of ARNNL House, and the transition from basic nursing education to baccalaureate education within the province. For these and her many other contributions to the nursing profession and to healthcare, Ada was honoured by the ARNNL and given the award of Honorary Membership.
Ada’s family would like to especially thank the doctors and nurses at Pleasant View Towers 3SE for the compassionate care that she received over the past 5 years. Please know that the kindness you showed to her during her time there will never be forgotten. It was a comfort to us all knowing that she lived out her final days in a place that showed her such dignity and respect that she so deserved. Your recognition of who she was with regards to her positive impact on the nursing profession will forever remain in our hearts and her memory will live on in the legacy she left behind. May she forever receive all the blessings of heaven for all the good deeds that she did here on earth.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday, October 18 from 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held from The Carnell Memorial Chapel on Monday, October 19 at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted, or memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Shearstown.
May your perpetual light shine upon her, O Lord, and may she rest in peace. Amen.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ada Elizabeth Simms RNBN MHSA MTh September 21 1932 to October 15 2020..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N