Obituary of Helen Jean Simms

Helen Jean Simms, 72 Glace Bay, NS It is with great sorrow and heartache, that we the family of Helen Jean Simms of Glace Bay, announce her passing on Friday, October 21, 2022, in Hospice Cape Breton, Membertou, NS. Helen was the daughter of the late Gertie and John Simonson. Helen enjoyed an active, social life which included fundraising for various organizations and participating in team functions, such as Darts and Bowling. Her greatest love was being a part of the Coal Town Chorus and entertaining people with their songs. She was quick with a joke and lit up every room she entered. Helen loved to make people smile and feel loved. She was devoted to her faith. Helen was a lifelong member of St. Leo’s Parish until its closure, then she became a member of St. Anne’s Parish. Helen is survived by her husband John Simms of 27 years; a son Johnny (Marlene) Simms; four daughters: Donna Simms, Barbara Clark, Lori MacDonald, and Kari MacDonald; a brother William ‘Billy’ (Deane) MacDonald, AB; two sisters’: Tillie (Leo) Butler, ON, and Tippi (Wayne) Hinks, Halifax; sister-in-law Brenda (Bill) Munden and brother-in-law Gord (Linda) Simms. Helen is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jenna, Renee, Amanda, Devin, Nathan, Brynn, Justin, and Renee; six great-grandchildren: Ezekial, Damion, Chloe, Breton, Isla, and Mila; several nieces and nephews, and an abundance of friends who are too many to mention. Along with her parents, Helen was predeceased by an Aunt Jean MacDonald with whom Helen was raised with; two children in infancy; Helen’s parents-in-law John and Velitta Simms, brothers-in-law Art and Jimmy Simms, sister-in-law Thelma Osbourne. Visitation for the late Helen Jean Simms will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 4-6:30 pm in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, 902-849-4199. Funeral Service will be held in St. Anne’s Parish, Main St. Glace Bay on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 10 am with Fr. Duaine Devereaux presiding. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cape Breton Hospice, or a charity of one’s choice. We the family of Helen would like to thank Dr. Abboud and Dr. Poulos, and the wonderful nurses and staff at Cape Breton Hospice, Membertou. To Dr. Cadegan and Brenda for all the years of care and support shown to Helen and our family, thank you. To the numerous Specialists, Doctors, Nurses, and support staff from the QEII and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Thank you! Words of comfort may be expressed to Helen’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.