Ann Simonski (de Jong)
December 19, 1941 - October 19, 2023
In Loving Memory
Ann Simonski (de Jong)
On October 19, 2023 our beloved Aunty Ann passed away peacefully at VJH.
Ann (with no E) was born at home in Naarden (The Netherlands) on December 19th,1941. She was the youngest of 5 children and is survived by her sisters Jenny Huizenga and Hilda Abma (John) and brother Wesley De Jong.
Ann was predeceased by her husband Andy Simonski, sister Sharon de Jong, brother-in-law Ralph Huizenga, sister-in-law Hilda De Jong and great nephew Alexander Krnasty.
Together they are rejoicing in Heaven.
Ann was active with many hobbies including cycling, skiing, and kayaking, and was often the first of her friends to try something new. She had an outstanding green thumb and flowers were her passion. In the last few years she gained new interests that included: online shopping, playing games, she dabbled in painting and she enjoyed rolling along the creek path and going to check on the herons.
Ann was an LPN at VJH for 28 years and loved serving her community. She had a passion for volunteering, especially overseas, giving her time to work on medical missions and serving in orphanages.
In July of 2020, Ann was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer and admitted that with her other complications, “My time has come”. But God had other plans and she moved out of hospice to the Regency where she enjoyed 3 full years. Ann filled her life with adventures, travels, laughter, and community. There wasn’t much left on her bucket list, and she truly lived life to the fullest.
Please join us in remembering and honouring Ann at a memorial service to be held at East Hill Community Church 3605-12st Vernon, BC on November 4, 2023 @ 1pm.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 11
We became good friends shortly after I moved to Vernon and started work at VJH , introducing me to local hiking and biking. Then we skied when winter arrived. Kayaking was added with Ann’s encouragement. She had such a love for life and all things new, inspiring those around her to join in. Her kindness , positivity and non-judgmental personality radiated. I will miss her so much.
Cheers to you my dear friend, God’s speed on your next journey and adventure. love you.
So sorry for your loss! Praying for comfort at this time!❤️
The biggest grin, loveliest laugh. Always there for all her patients and co- workers. I will never forget how wonderful you were to work with Ann. RIP my nurse colleague.
Dear family,
Ann ,without an e , was fun to be with. I met her in 1974 at a Vernon Christian School Auxiliary meeting. She made the meeting a joy to be at. When my husband Martin had hernia surgery at VGH ,Nurse Ann walked into the room .Martin knew Ann’s funny disposition, raised his hand and said “No jokes please.”
Years ago she knew I was a stuck-at- home mom with no transportation.
She lived on the other side of town but Ann would pick me and the kids up every week to go team bowling.
I know I had to check myself not to complain about certain things because Ann had traveled to Africa, Romania, South America and other places to volunteer as a nurse. She’s seen folks with good reason to complain and did her part to bring a little joy. “Baby holder “ extraordinaire!!!
In recent years she showed us how to seize each day. Two weeks before her passing a few of us went for coffee at Tim Horton’s. We met a young friend Jasmine Hofsink with her baby. Of course Ann embraced the moment and the baby 😂!
I miss her.
Our heartfelt condolences. Ann was a beautiful soul who will be missed by many. I worked with Ann at VJH, joined her on a 3week medical mission in Nicaragua, skied SilverStar and biked the Danube with her as well as many back roads and trails around the Okanagan. We joined the CRC Sea to Sea bike group for a day which proved to be more than enough for both of us. The vultures overhead spurred us on as we laughed till we cried. Ann was keen to try most anything, even in her wheel chair, going to the Towne Theatre, shopping or joining friends for coffee. She loved life, loved her family and loved her Lord. May you ‘Rest’ in heavenly Peace Ann. ❤️
I have so many great memories of our x-country ski trips downhill skiing & kayaking. Never did get her into curling but she gave golf a try. I wasnt as adventurous as she in her trips volunteering but I know she loved every minute.I am so glad we had such a great last visit at the barbecue the Regency had. Everyone loved Anne & she always had a smile but you knew she was suffering.Rest in Peace. Love ya.
Our heartfelt condolences. Ann was a beautiful soul who will be missed by many. I worked with Ann at VJH, joined her on a 3week medical mission in Nicaragua, skied SilverStar and biked the Danube with her as well as many back roads and trails around the Okanagan. We joined the CRC Sea to Sea bike group for a day which proved to be more than enough for both of us. The vultures overhead spurred us on as we laughed till we cried. Ann was keen to try most anything, even in her wheel chair, going to the Towne Theatre, shopping or joining friends for coffee. She loved life, loved her family and loved her Lord. May you ‘Rest’ in heavenly Peace Ann. ❤️
Anne & i spent so many days on the ski hill X-country & down hill skiing—-so many memories & good times never taking anything too serious especially on the golf course .kayaking was a favorite also. Everyone loved Anne &now she is free of pain .Rest in peace . Love ya Beth
I worked with Ann at Vernon Jubilee Hospital for several years. Ann always had a smile on her face and plenty of cheerful laughter. I have fond memories of my time working with Ann. She was a wonderful nurse and colleague. Many condolences to her family.
Kathy Rukavina (Lepp)
Ann was a wonderful person full of fun and cheer. Always positive. I am sorry for your loss.
She will be missed.