Obituary of Lois Mary Adella Simonar
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our mother and grandmother Lois Mary Adella Simonar (West) born November 25th, 1938, on the farm in the Shell River area, she passed away on Saturday, January 29th, 2022 at Shellbrook with family by her side.
Grant and Marion West were married June 16th, 1938, and they had 4 children. Lois Mary Adella Simonar(West) was born November 25th, 1938. She was the first of 4 children, Gordon (Red), Della and Judy.
Born on the farm into the hands of a midwife, with frost on the walls and a sod floor of the log cabin. That is where life began for mom. She arrived on the day of a nasty blizzard. Quote, “I was a colicky, bow begged, pigeon toed, pointy headed, little irish tex”.
Life was busy and full for Grant, Marion and the kids. They took in borders, teachers, relatives, and even some children. They had a very open house policy.
As mom grew older, she helped her mom in the kitchen, as well as dusting, sweeping and candling the eggs. And after some time, she went outside to help on the farm. Quote, “I, being the eldest was a cow puncher, drove tractors, trucks, worked horses on hay rack, hitch up the team to go threshing, cleaned barns and hauled feed with the horses.” Mom, Red, and Rita Mowat helped thresh with two teams and three racks.
In the winter working hands went to music. They had any parties at the farm, for everyone. They enjoyed listening to anyone who played the guitar, violin, steel guitar, and harp. As well as played poker with matches and many sliding skiing parties. And dancing lots and lots of dancing. Mom said, “they even made beer! One bottle could knock you over.”
Mom loved to dance. And it was at a dance where she met and fell in love with Keith Simonar. The two were married at the United Church in Shell Lake, Sask June 30, 1960. And together they had 2 children, Stuart born, December 9th, 1963, and Valerie born, August 13th, 1965.
Mom was a homemaker, cake decorator, hairdresser, seamstress, Arabian horse breeder and trainer, landscaper, crocheter, cook, baker, babysitter. Mom was many things, but most of all she was our rock, our safe haven. She had a voice to scare many, the temper to be reckoned with, but above all….. she had a heart of gold, and undying love of life.
She was our mom, and we will miss you in every moment of everyday, every breath we take we take for you. You are finally home…. We love you always and forever, your kids and grandkids.
Lois is survived by her loving family: her children, Stuart Simonar of Shell Lake, SK and his children, Tiana, Brock and Amber, step-granddaughter Jayda, her daughter Valerie (Merv Dust) of Shell Lake, SK, her sister’s, Della (Jim) Schira of Spiritwood, SK, Judy Neufeld of Rosthern, SK, her brother and sister-in-law, Ina and Homer Good of Grand Forks, BC, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Keith Simonar, her parents, Grant and Marion West, brother Gordon and Liz West, Jack Chaykowski and her granddaughter Angela Rose Chaykowski.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook for their care and compassion.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, Delores Beaulac, Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500
