Peacefully at the Blue Water Rest Home on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Edna Sims, formerly of Exeter and Hurondale in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Evan Sims (2005). Loved and cherished by her children, Lori (Paul D’Auvergne) of Oakville, the late Steve (2002), Jane (Chris Harvey) of London and Bob of Exeter. Sadly missed by her grandchildren, Trevor Sims of Stratford, Calvin Sims of Hamilton; William Harvey of London and Emma Harvey of London, currently residing in New Haven, Connecticut. Lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law David Slorach of Oakville, sister-in-law Audrey Bentley of Exeter, and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her parents George and Emma Bayley; sisters and brothers-in law Marion and Charlie Kennington, Addie and Fergus McKay, Marjorie and Lewis Dutot, Verna and Bob Morgan, Joyce Slorach; parents-in-law Bill and Gladys Sims; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Labelle and Mervin Schmetzer and brother-in-law Walter Bentley.
Born Edna Muriel Bayley on August 16, 1931 in Hullett Township, she was the fifth of the six Bayley girls, and part of a large and loving family. Faith, family and friends were the foundations of her life. After meeting Evan at a dance in Clinton in 1949, they married in 1953 and settled on the family farm at Hurondale, their home for 52 years.
Edna made lasting connections with everyone she knew. She created a warm and loving home and welcomed all visitors. She cherished her neighbours and cared deeply for her friends and community. She was a faithful member of Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church where she served for decades on the board as vestry clerk and as a longtime member of the A.C.W. and the choir. Her home sparkled and so did she. Above all, she was an exceptional mother who was enormously proud of her kids and grandkids.
Edna and Evan moved to Exeter in 2004. After Evan’s death, she carried on at her John Street home until Alzheimer’s began to rob her of her independence. For the last seven years, she has been cared for at the Blue Water Rest Home by an extraordinary staff. Edna’s family can’t thank them enough for their kindness and support during her lengthy illness.
A celebration of Edna’s life is planned at Trivitt Memorial Church, 264 Main Street South, EXETER on Monday, January 29, 2024 with visitation from 11 AM – 1 PM. Service to follow at 1 PM with Rev. Wendy Mencel officiating. Cremation to follow, a private family interment is planned for a later date at the Exeter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Blue Water Rest Home, Zurich.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Brenna (Wein) and Barry Vincent
Jane, Bob, Lori and your families,
Sending sincere condolences in the loss of your dear mom. May your treasured memories bring you comfort. Thinking of you and sending hugs.
Susan Oke
Lori, Jane and Bob
So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a lovely lady and a great neighbour. Ken always enjoyed taking her out on a “date” to the theatre. She will be missed. Let the happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Susan Oke
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss…Thinking of all of you…Arlene & John Berendsen
Marian Doucette
Lori and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. For many years, I often heard tales of the Bayley girls from my mother (Verna Freeman Doucette) as she recounted the days of growing up in Hullett Township. Your mother, and her sisters, were always so special and thoughtful. May your memories remain as special.
Bob Dawe
My heartfelt condolences to the Sims family . Remember the good times spent togather with your loving Mom, may they comfort you in your grieving .
George and Sue (Insley)Wilson
Lori, Jane and Bob and families, heartfelt condolences on your loss of your Mother. Edna was a sweet lady who was kind and friendly. Cherish your precious memories and hold them close to your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie and Larry Denomme
Sending sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear Mother, I will certainly miss seeing and just knowing that dear Edna was ” there ” !! Edna was such a sweet woman, and was loved by so many !! Cherish your many memories !
Karen Brock
Lori, Jane & Bob
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. May your cherished memories of her bring you comfort at this sad time.
Carol Windsor
Bob
I remember your mother and picking up her vehicle for service after your father passed. She was so kind and considerate. May the happy memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Extending my deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Diane Ellis
My deepest sympathy to the Sims family. May your memories be a lasting joy.
Diane(Hodgert) Ellis
Mary Waters
I remember your mom with fondness when Bob, such a nice boy, was in my class at Usborne Central. And Jane I am so proud to continue reading your excellent reporting. What a wonderful family.
Affectionately with sympathy,
Mary Waters
Dianne De Wys
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your Mom. Knew her for years when she lived in Exeter and met a few times at Bluewater. She was a lovely, friendly lady.
Dick & Leny
Our deepest condolences to you Bob and your family. A Mom leaves a big hole in the family. Thinking of you as you move forward
Dick & Leny Wagenaar
Pat Campbell
Lori, Jane and Bob,
Sending my sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mom. I always remember her as a quiet, thoughtful lady. My Mom, Doreen Rowcliffe, looked forward to lunches with your mom and as they aged it became phone calls regularly. Their life long friendship was treasured by my mom.
Liz Campbell
Sending our deepest sympathy on your loss. Thinking of you as you move forward, keep all your memories close.
Sincerely,
Liz Campbell & Ron Kennedy
Susan Willert
Lori, Jane, Bob
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. We have great memories of your family
growing up as neighbors and as friends.
Susan and Rick Willert
and Lenore Parsons
Pamela Buist & Jane Howard The Maycourt Ladies Association
Dear Lori, Bob & Jane & extended family,
Our sincere condolences to all. We never had the pleasure of meeting Edna, but knowing you Lori just confirms that Edna was a wonderful person and mother to have such kind & caring daughter who is so committed to serving her community.
Gary Parsons
Our sincere condolence on the loss of Mom. We are thinking of you all at this sad time.
Gary, Aimee, Cooper & Ella Parsons
Valerie Parke
Dear Lori & Family:
Sending you our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother.
Jim & Valerie Parke
Duncan Etherington
Condolences to you Bob and your family sorry I can’t make service
Donnie Parsons
Lori, Jane & Bob
Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom. Thinking of you all.
Donnie & Jodie
Bob and Helen Coates
Lorî, Bob, and Jane
Our sympathy for the loss of your dear Mom. She was warm and friendly and always had time to care about other people. We always enjoyed her company and your Dad’s. Keep the lovely memories to comfort you in this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers.
Marg Prout
My condolences to Jane and all the Sims family. Your family was so blessed to have such a
caring and compassionate mother. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Brad Borland
Dear Bob, Jane, Lori and families,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Edna.
We fondly remember Edna as such a pleasant and happy neighbor and friend, her home was always open and she always took the time for a chat.
Thinking of you all.
The Borland Family, Betty, Jeff, Brad, Darlene, Kennedy and Matthew
Don and Brenda Triebner
Bob and Sims Family,
So sorry to hear about your mother. She was a kind and caring lady. Deepest sympathies to you all.
Don Murray
Jane. So sorry to learn about your mother’s passing. Alzheimers also took my mother and it was a difficult time.
Keith and Sandy Strang
Lori, Jane, Bob and family:
We extend our sincere condolences at the passing of your dear Mother and Grandmother.
We have so many wonderful memories of your whole family as Hurondale neighbors. Your Mom’s caring and friendly personality always made us feel welcome on those occasions when we visited next door or just met on the street in town. Edna was our hero as we marvelled at the fresh laundery that could be seen to the north, blowing in the breeze even on the coldest winter days.
She served her family, her community and her church with love. We are honoured to have known her.
Elizabeth McGregor
Sending our sincere sympathy to Edna’s family. Be sure to keep her memories close to your heart, she will be forever missed.
Isobel Gibson and Family
Karen Hendrick
Dear Lori,
So sorry to hear of your mother Edna’s passing.
I will always think fondly of the friendship that she fostered with my mother in the Exeter rest home which they both moved into simultaneously.
Your mother was a kind, reflective soul.
My sisters and I appreciate your family’s kindness towards my mother always!
Warmest,
Karen Hendrick
Brenda Siemon
Edna was a warm and loving friend to me since 1994 when she welcomed me into her home and her heart. She welcomed my son James into the family and showered him with the same love and affection as she did her own grandchildren. We shared a love of books, and dishes, the Royal Family and tea.
Edna had a wonderful sense of humor and a great smile. We often laughed about the time
after seeing the movie the Titanic, both of us lamented about the scene where the
beautiful china shattered as the ship listed to the side. Evan said we were the only 2 people who WOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT! As the disease progressed and robbed her of her beautiful mind, her face would light up with a smile when I visited her. She may not have remembered me but I believe she knew it was someone she loved.
Always “on My Mind”
Love Brenda
Brenda Siemon
Kathy Mann
You have my deepest condolences in the loss of your mother. Always enjoyed hearing family stories of ‘Clinton stories between your mother and Doug. Kind regards, KATHY
Kathy Mann
You have my deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. Always enjoyed hearing family stories of ‘Clinton stories between your mother and Doug. Kind regards, KATHY
Jennifer O'Brien
Jane and family, we are thinking of you and sending love and condolences. Your mom was clearly a remarkable woman, who has left a beautiful legacy in her family. Sorry for your loss.
Jen (O’Brien) and Mark Maisonville
Frieda Zandbergen
To Lori, Jane, Bob and family,
My deepest sympathies in the passing of your mom. I have good memories of her growing up . May the Lord comfort you and give you all peace while mourning her loss!
Frieda Zandbergen
Wendi Schwindt
Dear Bob and all the family…Edna was such a wonderful lady with the kindest heart. She loved her family and was so proud of all of you…treasure your memories.
Gary and Kathy simpson
Bob and family.
So sorry to read of your mother’s passing.
Kathy Hayter(Wells)
My thoughts and prayers are with all Edna’s family.My mom Tiny Wells spent many hours working beside Edna at many church functions and there was always many laughs and friendship were grown.Keep all those fun loving memories close to your ♥
Barb Fleet
Sorry for your loss Bob . May wonderful memories bring you peace now and in the days ahead
Allen and Marjorie Oke
We are so sorry to hear of Edna passing away. She was most kind and always took time for a chat. She will be sadly missed by family, neighbours and friends from this area.
Rob and Ann Morley
Lori, Jane, and Bob,
sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Another one of the great ones gone. Cherish the memories as I know there are lots.
Jim/Linda Ferguson and family
Lori, Jane, Bob and family:
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother.
Edna was a lovely lady and we so enjoyed every moment spent with her. She always had a genuine interest in our lives and family, but was also willing to share loving insights into her own family. We’ll be forever grateful for that.
You are in our thoughts and hearts.
Kindest regards.
Gail Baker
Lori Jane and Bob and families.
So sorry to hear about your wonderful MOM. She was a great friend to my Mom and Dad (Don and Lenore Parsons). They had a lot of fun and laughs. Your family were great neighbors. Thinking of you all.
Gail and Bill Baker
Lynda ( Parsons ) Iredale-Conlin
To all the Sims family…deepest sympathy to all..such an amazing happy, caring person always with a beautiful smile…your Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma Sims ( where we used to go ice skating ) used to play cards with the neighbors on the line many, many moons ago….hold on tight to all the beautiful memories
Linda (Roberts) Smith
Jane, Bob and family
I am sending sincere condolences to you on the loss of your Mother along with thoughts and prayers.
JoAnn Lovell-Kristoferson
Dear Lori, Jane, Bob and families, I have so many wonderful memories of the Sims family with your mama at the center. She welcomed people into her home, actively listened to what they had to say and made everyone feel like they were a person of value in this world. She was incredibly well read and my fondest memories lie in the conversations held and perspectives expanded with Mrs. Sims.
She was incredibly kind and tolerant of other individuals. Her quiet humour was shared generously and often . Her greatest legacy is the wonderful family she built with Mr. Sims and the love that she shared with you all.
May all the wonderful and amazing memories you have of your mama help to heal your fractured hearts.
In sympathy and sorrow, Paul and I send our love.
Scot Morgan and Judy Parsons
Lori, Jane, Bob and all your family:
Sending deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. She was always such a friendly lady to us.
Keep all those special memories close and speak of them often. Sending hugs to help you get through this sad time.
Murray and Barb Parsons
So sorry for the loss of your mom. Wishing you comfort during this difficult time
Bob & Joyce McDonald
Bob,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother.
Bob and Joyce McDonald
Bill Johnston
Jane, Bob and Lori
I was sad to hear about your mom.
She must have been a wonderful lady. I thought so highly of your dad, Steve, and all of you.
I’m sure you will miss her, and have many stories to tell.
All the best
Bill Johnston (SHDHS)
Joan Epp
Dear Jane and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mom. Sending big hugs,
Joan Epp and family. Xo
Fred J Dutot
Bob and family
Our condolence in the passing of your mother Edna. Cherish your memories
Carol & Fred Dutot
Wanda Reynolds
To Edna’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda Reynolds
Lloyd and Carol Moore
Our deepest sympathy Jane to you and your family in the loss of your mom.
Sarah Watkin
Jane, my sincere sympathy to you and your family as you navigate through your final goodbye to your sweet mom. You have been a loving and devoted daughter,and I know your mom was tremendously proud of you and all you’ve achieved .
You and your family have many treasured memories, and my hope is that they bring you strength and hope forever.
Dalton Ford
Bob, and your Families; Sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort through your memories, and the values your folks instilled, in the days ahead. Dalt
Brenda Hern
Lori, Jane, Bob and family – very sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Thinking of you all and wishing you peace as you think of your wonderful mom. Sending hugs – Ivan and Brenda Hern
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Lori, Jane, Bob and families
Sorry to learn of your mother’s passing.
Many good memories of her and your dad.
Our condolences to all.
George and Kathy Lee
Lori, Jane, Bob, & your families, sending you our deepest sympathy in the passing of your mom, Edna was a wonderful lady, I have great memories of your family growing up. May your cherished memories give you peace. George & Kathy Lee (Ferguson)
Jan Easton
Dear Lori, Jane and Bob
Thinking of you as you say good bye to your lovely mom. She was so kind and always interested in how we were and what our children were doing. Your mom and dad had a great friendship with Don and Jean for many years, as well. And of course, we remember Steve with love and special memories. Take care of each other!
With kind regards, Jan and Doug
Audrey Dakin
Jane,
So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was such a lovely person. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Audrey Dakin
Jannie Van Wieren
DEAR, LORI, JANE AND BOB, MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL. NO WORDS CAN HEAL YOUR HURTING HEARTS, BUT MAY IT HELP TO KNOW THAT OTHERS ARE HOLDING YOU TIGHT IN OUR THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES….JANNIE
Tom, Tracy Humphreys and family
Lori, Bob, Jane and family
So sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She was such a caring person. She was the best neighbor on our street. She always took the time to say hi or waved to anyone who walked by. She always got a kick out of Tommy riding his bike up and down street, going so fast. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phyllis Mommersteeg
Bob and all the Sims Family,
Sending deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom,
Keep those special memories close.She was a wonderful,
kind and considerate lady,always interested in others families.
Phyllis Mommersteeg
Bev laFramboise
Deepest sympathy Bob and family, Edna was the sweetest ever and we all loved her. She will be missed,as well we’ll miss seeing you 💔
Linda & Jerry Traquair
Sending our sincere condolences to the family and to all who knew and loved Edna. She used to spoil Jerry with her awesome Peanut Butter Pies. Later, she became part of our Blue Water friend’s circle when we took our grandkids for weekly visits to Mom , Aunt Jean and Liz. She sure enjoyed the little ones. :)
When my own Mom was in Palliative Care at BWRH for 16 days during Covid Restrictions, “Bless her Heart” , Edna quietly sat with me as I waited outside Mom’s door for my turn to be with Mom …it meant a lot to me. It was a comfort. We hope that your own memories are a comfort.
Sandra & Larry Hern
Dear Bob,
We extend our sympathy to you in the loss of your Mother. No matter what age we are, it is always sad when we have to say that final goodbye to our Mom. Thinking of you and all your family in this time of sorrow.
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Bob and the Sim’s family
Sorry to hear your Mon has passed.
Thinking of you at this time
Cy & Eleanor
Jim Lewis
Bob, Jane and Lori
My condolences on the passing of your mother and treasure the memories you have for both of your parents.
Jim Lewis
Dan and Linda Crerar
Sending our sincere condolences. Edna was a wonderful neighbor! She made us feel so welcome when we moved to the Hurondale community. We will treasure our memories of her kindness, wisdom and love of her family, friends and community.
Hugs to all!
Linda and Dan Crerar
Barry & Melonie Miller
Lori, Bob & Jane
Your mom was such a lovely person. She always had a smile to share and was interested in our family & there activities. You were blessed with both a great mom & dad…. Kindness was huge♥️
Barry & Melonie Miller
Bruce Shaw
Edna had a very warm and giving heart. Evan and I worked a few years together at SHDHS, and he too was a thoughtful, caring individual. I enjoyed the pair of them and wish nothing but the best for you children and you grandchildren as you carry on in life without them. Bruce
Howard & Pat Green
Bob, Sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Ellen Finlayson
Bob and The Entire Sims Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom and grandmother. She was a familiar face when I went to the Bluewater Rest Home to visit.
Thinking of you all,
Mary Ellen, Mark, Jack and Sam Finlayson
Evelyn Vincent
To Edna’s loved ones.
Edna was a lovely lady and will be missed
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Carolyn Gower
Bob
Sending my deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mother.
She was a very lovely lady, and I am sure you will miss her.
Cherish your wonderful memories at this sad time.
Carolyn (Pritchard) Gower