Obituary for Catherine Ruth Simper (O'Donnell)
CATHERINE RUTH SIMPER
Catherine Ruth Simper (O’Donnell) passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the age of 93. She lived a full life and received so much joy in serving others through her Christian faith in Jesus.
Catherine was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 27, 1929 to William and Elsie O’Donnell, officers in the Salvation Army. In Calgary, she met and married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Simper, in October of 1948 and they became lifelong partners for 73 years.
Cath loved golfing, skiing, entertaining, and family holidays. She particularly enjoyed skiing with her four grandchildren.
Catherine made a significant impact in the lives of many as a Sunday School teacher and the children’s choir leader. Her beautiful voice rang out in trio’s, the Salvation Army Songsters, the Singing Strings and the Hallelujah Sounds. She was also an accomplished pianist and played for the church family and friends over many years. She was the musical director in several Glenmore Temple musical productions and led several young womens’ singing groups.
Cath worked throughout her life; some highlights being the secretary at Clem Gardner Elementary School, the Calgary School Board, and finished her tenure as an Executive Secretary for the ERCB.
Her passion for golf was inspired as a founding member at the Pinebrook Golf Club. She also volunteered with the Provincial Alberta Ladies Golf Association both as the Junior Girls Director and later as President and Chairman.
She discovered a love of art and became an accomplished artist across many mediums. Her paintings are displayed in private and public collections in Canada, England, Australia and the United States.
Catherine will be lovingly remembered by her children: Ted (Pam), Cathy, Rob; grandchildren: Shaun, Jennifer (Gavin), Kiel, Meghan (Taylor), great-granddaughter Julia and sister; Shirley Haynes. She was predeceased by her husband Bob and brother Bert O’Donnell.
A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will be conducted on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Salvation Army Glenmore Temple (921 - 68th Avenue SW).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army Glenmore Temple. To link to a virtual service live-stream, please go to Facebook (Salvation Army Glenmore Temple) or YouTube (Glenmore Live).
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Catherine, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Catherine Ruth Simper (O’Donnell) passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the age of 93. She lived a full life and received so much joy in serving others through her Christian faith in Jesus.
Catherine was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 27, 1929 to William and Elsie O’Donnell, officers in the Salvation Army. In Calgary, she met and married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Simper, in October of 1948 and they became lifelong partners for 73 years.
Cath loved golfing, skiing, entertaining, and family holidays. She particularly enjoyed skiing with her four grandchildren.
Catherine made a significant impact in the lives of many as a Sunday School teacher and the children’s choir leader. Her beautiful voice rang out in trio’s, the Salvation Army Songsters, the Singing Strings and the Hallelujah Sounds. She was also an accomplished pianist and played for the church family and friends over many years. She was the musical director in several Glenmore Temple musical productions and led several young womens’ singing groups.
Cath worked throughout her life; some highlights being the secretary at Clem Gardner Elementary School, the Calgary School Board, and finished her tenure as an Executive Secretary for the ERCB.
Her passion for golf was inspired as a founding member at the Pinebrook Golf Club. She also volunteered with the Provincial Alberta Ladies Golf Association both as the Junior Girls Director and later as President and Chairman.
She discovered a love of art and became an accomplished artist across many mediums. Her paintings are displayed in private and public collections in Canada, England, Australia and the United States.
Catherine will be lovingly remembered by her children: Ted (Pam), Cathy, Rob; grandchildren: Shaun, Jennifer (Gavin), Kiel, Meghan (Taylor), great-granddaughter Julia and sister; Shirley Haynes. She was predeceased by her husband Bob and brother Bert O’Donnell.
A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will be conducted on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Salvation Army Glenmore Temple (921 - 68th Avenue SW).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army Glenmore Temple. To link to a virtual service live-stream, please go to Facebook (Salvation Army Glenmore Temple) or YouTube (Glenmore Live).
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Catherine, please visit www.choicememorial.com.