Mary-Ann Simpson

Mary-Ann Simpson

Mary-Ann passed away at her home in Deep River with bereft husband Phil by her side on Saturday October 24, 2020 from pancreatic cancer in her 71th year.

Mary-Ann was predeceased by her parents Stuart and Laura Poole (née Munro) of Perth, Ontario. She will be achingly missed by Phil, her husband of 50 years, her daughter Olivia (John Morgan),a permanent resident of New Zealand; her beloved, wonderful twin grandsons Alex and Simon Morgan, ages 4.5; her sisters Janet Poole and Linda Batoff (Paul), and brothers James and Gordon (Marnie) Poole, all residents of Perth Ontario.

Born and raised in Perth where she lived until 18, she then attended Ottawa Teachers College in 1968-69. After graduation she moved to Deep River to begin her career as a primary (Grades 1, 2) teacher at Morison School.

After 21 enjoyable years, but needing a career change, in 1990 she started her kitchens, baths, interior design and renovations business in Deep River: ‘Cucina Kitchens and Interiors’ as designer and implementation coordinator. She worked with numerous local trades, contractors, and suppliers most recently and notably: “Rob Sonnenburg Homes, Deep River” and “Gary & Ron’s Kitchens”. Her success in this endeavour is indicated by the 70+ bath and 100+ kitchen renovations implemented for always very satisfied clients over peak years 1990-2005 when her business was most active.

She had many personal hobbies and interests, including traveling by RV, reading, knitting and communicating constantly with numerous family and friends

Mary-Ann and Phil met at the Staff Hotel in Deep River in 1969, were married the next year and have lived here ever since. After Phil retired in 2005, Mary-Ann reduced her projects work as they traveled every fall to warmer winter locations in the USA and New Zealand (NZ).  The last 5 winters (2015-2020) they went to NZ to be close to daughter Olivia and grandsons. 

Her health declined over the last 3 years from several debilitating medical conditions, culminating with the final disastrous diagnosis in May 2020 of inoperable pancreatic cancer, detected too late for surgery. She opted to stoically live out her remaining days at home without attempting life extension treatments; all those now available are harsh and minimally effective in adding time.

Visitations for Mary-Ann will be held at Valley Funeral Home, Deep River on Monday November 2, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM under mandatory COVID-19 restrictions (masks, distancing, less than 10 visitors in building at any one time).

Mary-Ann’s cremated remains will be interred in a private ceremony in the family plot in Elmwood Cemetery in Perth.

Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated such as the Deep River & District Hospital, or Pancreatic Cancer Canada

Our profound thanks to the many who supported her during her illness, notably the daily contact from her sister Janet , from other family, and by close friends Joyce, Jeff, Susan, Carol, Joan, Glenn and others too many to list, who communicated their support and love in many ways throughout her ordeal.

Sincere, profound thanks to Dr. Terry McVey, to palliative care Bayshore nurses/angels Shelby Laycock and Jacky Beale and those assisting them, for their compassionate, caring support to control Mary-Ann’s pain and illness symptoms, allowing her to have the best possible quality of life during her last 5 months.