It is with great sadness, the family shares that Lois Deanne Simmonds (McKay), 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Hospice with her daughters by her side, after an eleven month battle with cancer. Throughout the last year, Lois fought bravely, and remained strong and positive throughout it all.
Lois was born in Fort William, ON on October 28, 1954. She was the second youngest of eleven children born to James and Irene McKay. Lois spent the early years of her life in Savant Lake, ON before moving to Thunder Bay, ON at a young age.
In 1975, Lois met the love of her life, Lorne Simmonds, and in a whirlwind romance, married him a year later on September 4, 1976. Shortly after, they began expanding their family and eventually, they had three beautiful daughters: Glenda, Jacqueline, and Samantha. Throughout the years, Lois dedicated her life to her family; her children and grandchildren meant everything to her and were her greatest joy. With her larger than life personality and “tell it like it is” attitude, Lois had a heart of gold (and was always right, whether you wanted to hear it or not). If you were fortunate enough to have known Lois, then you know that she held you in her heart, always.
Lois is survived by: her daughters Glenda Bruyere (Curtis) and Samantha Olsen (Eric); her beloved grandchildren: Cassandra (Bimikawe), Courtney (Radovan), Trustin (Kailey), Jett, Camden, Raja, Zachery (Amy), Eric, Shastyn, Dezmond, Kash, and her great-granddaughter Daisy; her siblings: Betty Chalifoux (Bill), Helen Mehaffey (Lloyd Heggart), Jack McKay (Judy), Jo-Ann Sutherland (Barry), Bryan McKay (Judy), Joyce Bice (Cliff Rule), and Robert McKay (Cathy); and numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones. All of whom she loved deeply.
Lois was predeceased by: her parents James (1975) and Irene (2004); husband Lorne (2006); her daughter Jacqueline (2019) and son-in-law Todd Hebert (2022); her brothers: T.R. (Thomas) McKay (2016), Keith McKay (2019), and Bill McKay (2022); sister-in-laws Joan McKay (2021), and Kathleen Simmonds (2020); brother-in-law Robert Mehaffey (1994); nephews: Rick McKay (1997), Bryan Best (2017), and Darcy James (2012); and niece Michelle McKay (2021).
Please join us in celebrating her life on Friday, December 30th at 2:00pm at Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel. 21 N. Court Street, Thunder Bay, ON. A reception will follow after the service.
The family would like to extend special thanks to those who provided extraordinary and compassionate care for our mom during her last month: Kathy Swanson, Auntie Helen, Nurse Amanda (Bayshore), Dr. Goodman, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Ward, and the amazing care team at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Lois to the Teen Challenge Thunder Bay.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
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We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Lois Simmonds Sunday December 25th 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
sargent and son funeral directors
Death notice for the town of: THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario