Born in Ruislip, England, June 13, 1932,
Passed peacefully at Riverside Glen, Guelph, February 9, 2021
Wife and best friend of 61 years to Tom (deceased). Cherished and loving mother to Jacqueline (Robert), Valerie (Andrew) and Geoffrey (Lynn). Best Grandma ever to Corinne (Tim), Ed (Grace), Hannah, Samuel, Claire and Jenna. Great Grandma to her “little boys” Darcy and Thomas Jay (TJ). Beloved sister to Pat (Marjorie and Michael), dear sister-in-law to Virginia. Remembered with love by her family in England. Mum met her great love and steadfast partner in life Tommy, through their mutual love of cycling. They were members of the Northwood Wheelers, and enjoyed many adventures across the beautiful English countryside. In 1954 they began the next chapter of their lives, marrying and moving to Canada. They would eventually settle in Bolton in 1958 to the place they would call home. Mum put her heart into everything she did. She was extremely accomplished at anything she put her hand to. She was fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren. She was the glue at the heart of the family. She raised her children by example, honesty, integrity, hard work and family above all else. Her grandchildren brought out her softer side and were a source of such joy and happiness. Mum believed in being part of a community. She gave freely of her time to help Dad with the Bolton Ambulance. She volunteered with The Bolton Figure Skating Club (even though she never learned to skate) and Christ Church. She held her friends in very high regard. Many thanks to the care Mum received from her stay at King Nursing Home in Bolton. She called Riverside Glen her home for the last four years. Dr. Friars, thank you for your exemplary care of Mum. To the staff, your kindness, your compassion, and your genuine affection to Mum will be treasured by us forever. Becki, always patient with our questions and concerns, this week especially, thank you for going above and beyond.
Dad, you’ve got your girl back.
Keep her safe until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com.
Carolyne Wedgbury
My condolences to Sheila’s family. When Dave and I moved to Bolton in 1970, we met Sheila shortly afterwards as she became a colleague of Dave’s. Sheila was so dedicated and supportive during her many years of committed work. I could always depend on Sheila to help me out too. Hopefully fond memories will hold you up as you say good bye to your Mum.
David&Vicky Munro
Jackie ,Valerie and Geoffrey
It is sad indeed to hear of your Moms passing,
Although I never seen as much of them in later years .
I would meet up with them at Tim’s , or later on Mc Donald’s , and catch up with them , and they always talked of family with great admiration and love.
I had the greatest respect for Shiela , I met her and Tom when I joined Bolton Ambulance, and as said already she was very committed to her family , and all of the different community groups she took part in .
Tom was a huge part of Bolton Ambulance ,and sheila was always there backing him up , and during my years as a member, and being on the board , she always had the greater good of the service in all that she did .
She was secretary treasurer for many years ,and had a work ethic that was exceptional.
She eventually worked for a local accounting firm where she became well respected and loved by the partners and her colleagues.
Our sincere condolences to all the Simpson family.
David &Vicky Munro
Carol Price
Condolences to the Simpson and extended family. Best neighbours .
Gilly Hughes
Our deepest condolences and love from England to our Canadian cousins and their families. I’ve only visited Canada the once and then we met infrequently over the years but enjoyed the family get togethers, usually at Pat and Bill’s home. And the annual newsletters in the Christmas cards from Uncle Tom and Auntie Sheila kept us up to date with your news.
Much love at such a sad time.
Allan Squires
Jackie, Valerie and Jeffrey and family Millie and I are so sorry to hear of Sheila’s passing. She was a great neighbor and great friend to Millie. Our hearts and prayers are with you all at this sad time
Patricia Unsworth
Our Deepest condolences to the entire Simpson clan.
What a beautiful tribute, written for a beautiful soul.
May your wonderful memories bring comfort.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Ruth May
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sheila. I have such fond memories of her and our lunches at Baffo’s when she was treasurer at Christ Church. We would go over the finances of the church then and set the world to rights over a salad and a glass of wine. I learned so much from her, not just about finances but about being a good and strong person. I know that all the family will have great memories to share. Thinking of you and saying a special prayer for Sheila. She will be so happy to see her Tommy again!
Don and Jackie Smith
Jackie and I are saddened to hear of Sheila’s passing. Sheila’s kindness to me when I joined the accounting firm and her vast knowledge of our clients was invaluable. Her accounting of the firms internal financial requirements was impeccable.
To her family, we enjoyed meeting you at the occasion of her retirement from the firm. This was not a time of retirement for Sheila as she continued on with her numerous community activities.
Her outgoing personality and genuine interest in people will be a cherished memory for all who knew her.
We have very fond memories of Sheila and Tom.
Don and Jackie Smith
Julie Haugh
Our sincere condolences to the Simpson family on Sheila’s passing. I enjoyed working with her at Christ Church on the finance committee. She was always a very willing, hard working and talented treasurer.
Our thoughts are with all the family as she leaves this life and reunites with her beloved Tommy.
Julie Haugh Guzzo and Frank Guzzo
carol moffatt
with a full heart to an amazing wife mother and dear friend. Brian and I had the amazing pleasure of Sheila as our close neighbour and of course dear Tom, there are so many wonderful stories, so very sorry to the family and their dear friends
God Speed Sheila
Love forever Brian and Carol Moffatt
carol moffatt
Brian and I are so very sorry for the loss of a fine Lady as Sheila she was a wonderful and great neighbour. Brian I were very sad to lose them as neighbours, missed their great stories, sorry to their amazing family. God Speed Sheila
Love forever
Brian Carol
Paul Boughton
Happy Memories of Sheila (and Tom)
These memories are from Paul, Sheila’s nephew, and the only one of the Johns (Sheila’s maiden name) family to have lived in Ontario and then gone back to England.
I was born in 1955, the year after Tom and Sheila left for Canada, so didn’t know them to start with. Later they told me that they had got off the ship in Montreal with $10 in their pockets and lots of great plans for the future.
In 1975 my late brother, Stephen, and I, got summer student jobs picking tobacco in Delhi, Ontario. Tom met us when we arrived at Pearson, and on the way to Bolton we just happened to stop off at a bar. It had frosted windows and served beers in small glasses with a salt shaker on the side.
We stayed in the basement on Martha before we got the bus down to Tillsonberg to be collected by the farmer. We met him in a bar which had frosted windows and served beers in small glasses with a salt shaker on the side (seems to be a pattern here). I still remember the Stomping Tom Connors song “Tillsonberg”, you can find it on ITunes, now. At the time it sold about 3 copies, and I bought 2 of them. It pretty much summed up life as a “primer” as the lowest pickers were known.
At the end of the harvest we stayed with Sheila and Tom again, in the basement again and got to know Jackie, Valerie and Geoff. Tom also introduced us to the Legion in Bolton, where we spent happy evenings (drinking beer in small glasses etc etc) Sheila fed us when we rolled home eventually. One of Sheila’s greatest talents was not taking Tommy too seriously. I do also remember either Jackie or Valerie wearing a vest that said “Bolton Is Out-Standing in Its Field” – like waiting for the cows to come home….
Tobacco picking was so much fun that I went back again for two more summers. By that time I had graduated to Molsons Canadian as the beer of choice, no salt shaker needed. Tommy was disgusted as he drank Labatts.
Then on 1st January 1982, with a raging hangover and in a raging snowstorm, I landed at Pearson once more, to work at Deloittes in Toronto. I was with my new wife Pauline, who hit it off from the start with Sheila, not least because Pauline came from Bolton (Lancashire).
At the time Tom was working at Sears in Toronto, so we went there to buy a bed, and confused the delivery guys by tying it to the roof of Tom and Sheila’s station wagon and driving it away.
We then got used to the Canadian winter by (a) the station wagon breaking down on the 401 during a blizzard. Tom lit a candle and promised that the heat from it would keep us alive until the tow truck came (Sheila just rolled her eyes), and (b) the Simpsons taking us tobogganing when it was – 15, and Pauline’s eyelashes froze together
We rented an apartment at Yonge and Carlton, right next to the Maple Leaf Gardens. Sheila and Tom used to come down sometimes to watch the hockey. At the time the Leafs were so useless that we would all go for a pizza and beer during the first period, then get in to the rest of game for free. Tom (mainly) and Sheila also introduced us to local sports, so I became a Blue Jays and Argonauts fan.
Sheila and Tom came to visit us a couple of times in the summer when we borrowed a cottage near Dorset. And we spent a lovely Christmas 1983 in Bolton with all the Simpsons.
Sheila was really happy in summer 1983 when Marjorie, her older sister (my mother) came to stay. We had some great evenings at the buggy racing, spending time with the family, and having lunch at the Hilton revolving restaurant downtown – which was fine until you’d had a couple of drinks and found your table had gone missing.
After we returned to England in the fall of 1984 we kept in touch, particularly when Sheila came over to stay with her sister Pat, and later when Valerie started coming, by herself or with her kids.
We are all much older now (but maybe not much wiser) and will always remember the times when Sheila, Tom and the family were so kind and welcoming when we visited the “Canadian family”.
RIP Sheila
Paul & Pauline Boughton
Dan & Susan Adams
Dear Jackie, Valerie & Geoffrey, we send our heart felt condolences to you & your families, on the loss of such a wonderful mother, grandmother & great grandmother. She was such a wonderful caring person, very wise, kind & devoted to all. I had the pleasure of working for her for a few years, & she also did our taxes. I got great advice from her lots, & enjoyed our chats over tea about the good old days. She loved to tell me funny stories about when she used to babysit my sister in law & brother in law on Martha Cresent. I loved also when she used to make at least 50, beer bread mix’s in fancy sewn bags to donate to the church for the yearly market at the church. I was always buy a half a dozen to cook:) May she now be at peace, joining Tom in eternal rest.
Murray Stewart
When Sheila worked with Dave Wedgbury ,I had the opportunity to catch-up with her at Tax time . To all of you in the Simpson Family we not only express our condolences , but want you to know how much Sheila was appreciated .
Marnie and Murray
Cindy Davies
We send our deepest condolences to you on the loss of your Mum, Grandmother, Great grandma and friend. I worked with Sheila at the accountants office for many years and loved the friend that she was to everyone. We spent many Friday lunches with Baffo’s pizza and wine that seemed to last all afternoon. Colin, was a volunteer with Bolton Ambulance and we enjoyed many parties with Sheila and Tom and the other volunteers. May Sheila and Tom Rest In Peace together.
Cindy and Colin Davies
Ken and Christina Graham
In the forty years that I have known Sheila and Tom, both with the Bolton Volunteer Ambulance and socially, I can’t say that I have met a more loving and supportive couple. You can see the same love in their kids. Sheila had a keen mind, a determined attitude, and when things got tough in her later years, Tom and their family stepped up to help. Reading that beautiful write brought back many memories of a life well lived. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Lorraine Witty
Loving condolences as your hearts heal from your sad loss. Sheila was a blessing as a friend through the joys and sorrows we shared. May she rest in peace with her beloved Tommy..
Thanks for the memories.
Harvey and Lorraine Witty
Gary and Marg McGrath
Our sympathy goes to all of Sheila’s Family. We knew Sheila through Christ Church and found out very fast what a wonderful person she was. Very helpful and knowledgeable when it came to figures and was a strong member of our church family. Sheila also enjoyed visiting our Circle of Friends group at Christ Church when we were making milk bag mats. She and Doris Porter would sit and make the mats along with a cup of tea and a cookie. Rest in Peace.
Arlene & Paul Di Iulio
Dear Valerie and all the Simpson extended family. Our heartfelt condolences to you and know that your Mum had a special way to touch each of our lives in her own way. We truly appreciated her wisdom and her wit. Although it has been years since we last saw Sheila or your family, our memories are always close at hand. Hugs to you.
carol moffatt
Brian and I are so very sorry for the loss of a fine Lady as Sheila she was a wonderful and great neighbour Brian I were very sad to loose them as neighbour missed their great stories sorry to their amazing family God Speed Sheila
Love forever
Brian Carol
Tom Barber
Jackie ,Valerie and Geoffrey
the Barber family wish to extend our sincere sympathies to your family
we all shared fond memories of all the Simpson family and understand
the sadness you guys are going through at this time.
May Sheila rest in peace.S
Isabelle Bottoms
Sincere sympathy to Sheila’s family. Ray and I had many coffees, and ate many chicken wings with Sheila and Tom. Who could forget Sheila’s beer bread mix sold only at the Anglican bazaar? Fond memories come back, remembering many happy times. Rest in peace, Sheila.
Sharron Breen
My condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Sheila and out times together when we were members of TOPS. May she rest in peace.
Mary Thomson
My warmest thoughts to Valerie and the Simpson family at this sad time. I was a colleague of Valerie’s at the hospital and her pride and delight and care for her family were always evident. This a wonderful tribute and clearly Sheila and Tom have left a strong legacy of love of family, hard work, community spirit, and building connections.
Susan Koschmider
I am sorry to hear of Sheila’s death. She was a formidable powerhouse at Christ Church for many years, especially around anything to do with finances or the annual bazaar. May she rest in peace.
Gerri Hill
Condolences to Sheila’s family. Sheila was a very special person. She was involved in her church and in the community. I have a special memory of her kindness. At church one day, I mentioned I was taking my granddaughter on a vacation to England. Right away Sheila said “you will have to visit my sister”, who I had never met. She arranged a weekend for us at her sisters house and stables. She also sent her sister money to take us out for afternoon tea in Windsor. Just one of her many kindnesses.
Rita ZALITACH
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May all your memories help your family at this timeand in the future. . Wishing the Simpson family peace and contentment.
Maureen E Kowal
To Sheila’s family
.
So sad to hear of her passing, enjoyed her so much at Christ Church Bolton, always a kind word to say, joking with us, always asking about our daughter Rebecca in school. A very strong woman. God bless you with comfort at this time
Dennis and I and Rebecca will miss her
Marlene & Donald Anderson
For Lynn
and all members of the Sheila & Tom Simpson family:
We do have fond memories of the times when Lorna & Jim would mention their good friends, Tom & Sheila.
Later our son, Kevin, had the privilege of working along side of Tom, so he has happy memories too.
Sincerely,
Donald & Marlene
Anderson
Ginette COCHRANE
Such a beautiful lady in so many ways! My deepest of sympathies on her passing.
Warren Richmond
Your Mum and Dad are etched in my memory along with all the good times we had back on Martha Crescent.
I wish you all peace and strength, but like you, know your Mum has moved on to a better place.
Hugs to everyone,
Warren
Tom & Donna McLarty ( former Bolton Ambulance Driver )
We are so sorry to hear this news. We met Tom and Sheila in 1975 when we moved to Bolton and joined the ambulance service. They became good friends over the 29 years that we lived there. We also bowled with them.
Tom and Donna McLarty
Julie
My sincere condolences Val to you and the family on the passing of your mum. Although I only had the opportunity to meet your mum a couple of times, I remember her to be a very warm and kind person .
Wishing you much strength during this difficult time.
Love Julie
Michele Topham
I have never forgotten the time I spent with Sheila, a friend as well as a cousin. Sending condolences to Jackie, Val and Jeffrey and all your children from the Tophams – Bernie, me, Amanda and Nik – whose own Mum and Dad loved your Mum and Dad.
With my love to you all
Michele
Bill Mueller
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother Jackie. Condolences from the Mueller family.
Bill Mueller
Abbotsford B.C.
Judy Marren
Sheila was a lovely lady and an accomplished person at anything she put her hand to. So sorry for your loss
Cooper Family
We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you Valerie and to all your family in the recent loss of your Mum.
This is a beautiful tribute to her. We know how devoted you were to her and hope that many fond memories will help you through this very sad time.
Love from Donna, John, Andrew, Marie and Jackson
Joan Yerex
Whether meeting her in the drugstore, accounting office or hairdresser, it was always a delight to see Sheila because she was always kind and caring. A favourite memory of mine was the fun we had when driving to a weekly cake decorating course together. My condolences to the family.
Shelley Yerex
It was always a pleasure to see Mrs Simpson, whether it was somewhere around Bolton or in her home when I was a youngster visiting with Jackie. Playing in the tiny house in the backyard was a special time and then Mrs Simpson would have baked goods for us to enjoy. As years went by it was always nice to see her around town and to have a chat. My condolences to Jackie and your family.
Gail Lea
We send you our love and support in these difficult days.
Brad & Lisa Regan
Dear Geoff, Lynn and your family
Our sincere condolences for the passing of your mom. We send our hugs to you.
Geoff and Betty Clark
What a surprise to learn of Sheila’s passing. It was always a wonderful sight to see Tom arrive at our door to cut the grass or clear the snow with Sheila by his side to get Geoff on his way by 6 AM. Sheila would be shoveling snow so Tom could do his part.. They were a special couple and we enjoyed their company. We also have fond memories of them as active members of our parish church in Bolton. We have now moved to Guelph as well, in the village of ArbourTrails.
Christine Gilberg
Sheila was a wonderful lady. She took me under her wing when I was having a tough time during high school. She will always be in my heart. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Sue (McQuoid) Vanderpol
Dear Jacky. I just saw this notice about your mom. So very sorry for your loss. She was a lovely lady. I remember her fondly.