April 17, 1938 - May 15, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share that Margaret Simonen (née Tupper), mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 15, 2025 in Kelowna General Hospital.
Margaret was born on April 17, 1938 in Trail, BC, the fourth of eight children. She lived much of her youth in southern Alberta and Kinnaird, where her father built two family homes. While living in Calgary, she met a young soldier, John Simonen, who became the love of her life. After years at various military bases in Canada and abroad, they returned to Castlegar in 1974 with their five children. She got a job with Canada Post, working at the Castlegar, Trail, and Rossland offices for many years before her retirement. After her retirement they moved to Holiday Park in Kelowna.
She loved deeply and gave so much of herself to everyone she knew—family, friends, even strangers who quickly became friends. Following John's passing in 2001, she travelled the world widely where she shared her spirit, smile, and generous heart with everybody she met. She also absolutely adored her little dog Jeanie, who never left her side and brought her endless joy and comfort. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years John, her son Richie, and her grand-daughter Stephanie, her parents, and seven siblings. She is survived by her children Linda (Jim), Ken (Kelly), Steven (Roberta), and Laura (Trevor), six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Margaret will be missed by many, but her spirit will live on in all who knew her. She will be laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, where she will be finally reunited with her beloved husband.