KATHARINA (KATHERINE) (KAY) SIMS (FALK)

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KATHARINA (KATHERINE / KAY) SIMS (nee FALK) September 10, 1929 - March 6, 2018 It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Katherine Sims. Kay passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 on the Palliative Care ward of St. Boniface Hospital, following a brief struggle with lung cancer. Kay leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Donna, and sons, Larry (Sharen), Ken (Cathy) and Russell. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Michael (Theresa), Chad (Jeanie), Matthew (Sarah), Kellie (Mitch), Adam (Vanessa), Lauren (Roddy), Alex and Nicholas; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Tabitha (Chase), Kay-Lynn, Sophie, Max, Elias and Brooke. Kay was especially gifted with babies and little ones and her arms were always a safe haven for a child who had fallen out of "favour" with their parents! Kay was predeceased by her parents, Sarah and Henry Falk, her beloved husband Allan, her brothers, Jake and Henry, and sisters, Elizabeth, Lena, Sarah and Anne; her sisters-in-law, Jeanie and Orpha, and brothers-in-law Gordon, John and Bill. She was also predeceased by Dave Creighton, and by our beloved Nicole. She is survived by her loving sisters, Mary and Evelyn (Bill), and her brother Aaron (Marie), along with many nieces and nephews. Kay was born at home on the farm, the fourth of 10 children, in the small Manitoba community of Plum Coulee. When she was five her family moved to Horndean, MB. Kay lived there until she was 14, when her family moved once again to Altona, MB. Kay lived in Altona until she moved on her own to Winnipeg at 16. Her parents were hard working, humble and proud and Kay was a fine example of her upbringing. She was hardworking, independent and deeply committed to her family. Once in Winnipeg, she began working as a nurse's aide at the General Hospital (Health Sciences Centre), where she met the love of her life, Allan Sims. They were married 45 years, when Al passed away suddenly at the age of 63. Kay never got over losing Al but she carried on as an independent woman for the next 25 years. She learned to drive at 65 and was in full control of her affairs up until the last month. Kay had a diverse work history and when the children were small, she worked nights, leaving Al in charge at home. Her resume included Moore's Restaurant, Harmon's Drugstore, Dutch Maid Ice Cream Parlour and Sims Dry Cleaning (no relation). As her children grew and became more independent, Kay began working full time. She worked with Allan at Harding Carpets and later at Ollman's Furniture. She retired from Manitoba Health in her late 60s. Throughout her diverse career, Kay continued to demonstrate hard work, loyalty and commitment to each workplace and made lasting friendships wherever she worked. Kay was a true sports fan. She and Al believed strongly in community spirit and spent many years volunteering at Airways Community Club and with the Optimist Baseball organization; cheering on their boys during hockey and baseball games and their daughter in figure skating. This enthusiasm continued when some of her grandchildren began to play sports. She rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. In later years, Kay continued to enjoy watching an array of professional sports from the comfort of her living room. She loved curling, golf and was an avid Jets fan. Kay and Al loved to take their family to Grand Beach, where they rented a cabin for many years. They had no car in those days, so they travelled back and forth to the beach on the Moonlight Train. Later on, when it was just the two of them, they loved travelling to Victoria to visit two of their sons. They loved it there and would walk for miles enjoying the ocean breezes. Kay continued her visits for many years after Al passed. She also loved the yearly reunions with her sisters. In her retirement, she was an avid reader and committed walker. She enjoyed 16 years of wonderful friendships when she moved to her apartment at Kiwanis Courts. Our family would like to thank everyone from the fourth floor for keeping our mom busy and active and for always checking in on her. She spoke often of her fourth floor friends. Our family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful medical personnel that cared for our mother during her illness. These include the staff at the Grace Hospital Emergency Department and on the 3rd floor and the compassionate, devoted staff who work on the Palliative Care floor of the St. Boniface Hospital. Also thank you to her primary care physicians, Dr. Elkin and Dr. De Gussem. You are all amazing human beings! As we say a tearful goodbye to our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, we remember her for her kindness, her compassion, her devotion to her family and her overwhelming love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As per Kay's wishes, cremation has taken place and a family interment will take place this summer. Donations in her name may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2018