Barbara Simmons

Barbara Anne Simmons

Peacefully on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, with sisters at her side, Barbara Anne Simmons passed away at the age of 64.

Predeceased by parents Art and Gladys Simmons; sister Elaine Heikkinen; and brother Stanley Simmons, she will be lovingly remembered by sisters Shirley Ek, Joan Milne, Marilyn Mitchell and her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbie was born March 4, 1948 in Portage la Prairie. She lived on the family farm in the Hood Bridge area. Here, Barbie developed her love for horses and cats. She spent many hours riding her horse Tex on the farm and off to visit friends and neighbors.

Upon her parent's retirement in 1984, she accompanied them on a move to Kelowna, BC. In Kelowna she made many friends at the club that she joined. She loved to bowl and dance. Barbie especially loved to break dance like her idol Michael Jackson. Even in the city, she managed to raise her beloved cats, both named Cody.

2001 brought a move with her mother and sister back to Portage. Barbie honed her bowling skills by playing with her great nephews and niece.

In 2007 she became a resident of Douglas Campbell Lodge, where she lived until her passing. Barb was a social person who managed to charm everyone she met.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 16, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 11:00 am at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel with Pastor Hope officiating. Interment at Hillside Cemetery will follow the reception.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to Portage ARC Industries, 1675 Sask. Ave. W, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0R4 or to Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, c/o Portage District General Hospital, 150-9th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3T6 or to Grandmother's Giving, o/c Janet Schellenberg, 21 Phoebe Street, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3E9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com