ADELINE SARAH FITZSIMMONS NÉE SENECHAL

Adeline (Biddy) Fitzsimmons passed away peacefully, in her 99th year. She was the dearly-loved wife of Weldon Jack Fitzsimmons, Deputy Commission (Ret.) Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who passed away in 1992. She was the mother of Phyllis Fitzsimmons of Toronto, Ontario, Charles Fitzsimmons of West Perth, Ontario, Dorothy Bassakyros of Mount Albert, Ontario, and John Fitzsimmons, of Surrey B.C. Adeline was born in St. John’s Wood, London, England in 1915. Her father, Charles Senechal was killed in the Great War, following which her mother, Emily née Blake, immigrated to Canada where she became a successful entrepreneur in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Biddy was raised in West Dover by relatives. She left home at 14, at the beginning of the Great Depression, to make her way in the world, becoming a sales agent and model for Simpson’s in Halifax. In 1942 she married Weldon; their fifty years together were happy and harmonious. They made their home in Halifax, Edmonton, Fort Smith, Ottawa, Regina, Oakville and Toronto, and had a winter property for several years in Port Charlotte, Florida. Adeline was a tall, stunning, blonde beauty. She will long be remembered by all who knew her as a cheerful, upright and generous soul. She was a firm believer in God, although not much given to the trappings of religion. She loved music and singing, was fond of animals, and loved the sport of curling. She was an accomplished, excellent cook, and an exemplary housekeeper, entirely devoted to her husband and family. She had a delightful sense of humour. Having had a difficult start in life, she was economical and prudent, always content with little for herself. She leaves behind her seven grandchildren: Nicole, Jussna Marie, Brendan, Loraina, David, Jacqueline and Danielle, and five great-grandchildren: Grace, Abigail, Ciaran, Naveen, and Sitara. Her long period of widowhood was a trial for her, which she bore with dignity and resignation, as she did the infirmities of her twilight years. That she leaves behind her a diverse, loving and united family is a lasting tribute to her many years of devotion and self-sacrifice. Adeline was a unique, irreplaceable personage. She will be sorely missed by all of us. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Adeline's life will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local food bank or the Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family.