Agnes Robertson

Agnes was born April 27th, 1926, the 5th and last daughter of Anton and Anna Reit in the hamlet of Dumas Sk. Education was of upmost importance to her parents so they moved to Carnduff when she was in Grade 2 because it had a bigger school. Her father worked for the CPR so after Grade 7 they moved to Stockholm, SK

After graduation, she went to Normal School in Moose Jaw, Sk. and got a Teaching certificate. She returned to the Stockholm area and taught in a small rural school Grades 1-10 for 3 ½ years. During summer vacation in 1947, she attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon to earn her 2nd year of her Teachers Certificate.

While taking her final class she met Delbert Simes who was also taking a class toward his Degree in Pharmacy. It was “Love at First Sight”. Most of their courtship was through the mail because after she graduated, mom returned to Stockholm to continue teaching in the rural school and Del stayed in Saskatoon to finish his degree. They were even engaged through the mail. Del mailed her ring for Valentine’s Day, (it actually arrived Feb 13th) and they were married in Fort Qu’Appelle June 30th 1948.

Del worked for the local drug store while mom stayed home to look after things there. Graham arrived in June 1949 and Bryce, in May 1951. Besides looking after their own boys mom looked after Del’s cousin’s twins. To help supplement their income she also took in borders.

Mom was such a loving, caring and compassionate person, always giving of herself for the betterment of others. Her family was her first and foremost priority. After her mother had a stroke, she took her into their home and cared for her until she passed away. And when her Uncle Karl contracted cancer, she cared for him with dignity and compassion until his final day. Del passed away Oct 1st, 1961, so mom went back to teaching to support herself and her two sons. She was Principal of the Elementary school for 2 years, Acting Principal for 2 years and Special Education teacher for the rest of her career.

On December 30th, 1967 mom married George Robertson. After her sons graduated and left home, mom decided to go back to school to finish her Bachelor of Education degree: one class at a time. She graduated in 1981 at the age of 55. She became an inspiration to many as a result.

Mom was a very talented person. Her family and friends were the lucky recipients of her many creations over the years including ceramics, knitting, crocheted items, sewed and repaired clothing, oil painting and various quilts all of which she did for over 60 years. She loved making quilts, over 200 of them, gifting them all.

Mom’s faith in God was unwavering and she lived her life as example of God’s will. She attended and supported St. John’s Anglican Church. She was a member of the choir, helped working in the kitchen serving lunch and cleaning during hall functions as long as she was able. She also volunteered to help the sick in the local Retirement Home. We would like to thank Diane and Joanne Morris, who picked mom up for church each week when she was unable to get there on her own, and who adorned her house with flowers she so much loved.

Mom lived alone in her home until July 2022. She entertained on many seasonal or celebratory events. She loved her visitors and all the laughter and friendships. She never turned anyone away in their travels or need, even if she was tired or unwell. Everyone wanted to visit because of her loving ways that made them all feel special. She loved her house and her big treed yard that were full of her memories and were the security blanket that embraced her each night. Every day she also gazed upon the various birds, especially the Blue Jays, which lighted on her birdfeeder outside the kitchen window.

Sadly and suddenly, on Dec. 7th, 2022, surrounded by her family and in the embrace of God’s loving arms, mom passed away very peacefully. She leaves to mourn her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren Graham Simes, Bryce (Brenda) Simes, Arla Simes (Brad Ulvild, Nathan Simes, Stina Ulvild, Leslie Ulvild) Jodie (Austin, Alex, Ronan) Simes, Sean Simes (Nanchoo Liao, Sullivan Simes, Alyya Liao), Justin Simes, Jenna (Chris, Koughen, Oaklynn) Pollins, all of whom loved her dearly.

She was predeceased by her parents Anton and Anna Reit, her husbands Delbert Simes and George Robertson, her daughter in law Beverly Simes, her grandson Aaron Simes, Sisters and Brother-In-Laws Agnes Reit, Josephine (Joe) Zimmer, Gertrude (Joe) Hustak, Albert Shivak, Nephews Wayne and Rodney Zimmer.

Rest in Peace mom. We Love You and will carry you and your amazing legacy of service in our hearts forever.