Katherine Mary (Broadhurst) Simms, 83, of Newtown, daughter of Margaret and Vincent Broadhurst, died peacefully December 9, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Stockport, England, January 20, 1933, where the Broadhurst family lived for many generations.

She shared her life with her loving husband, Bernard Simms, for 59 years and had five children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Mrs Simms and her husband knew each other since they were young and married in 1957. They both emigrated to Ontario, Canada, in 1958, then to Newtown in 1969, where they put down roots and raised their family.

Her husband, of Masonicare in Newtown; her five children and their spouses, Kerry and Warren Hall, Mark and Diane Simms, Patrick and Jennifer Simms, Katie, and Matthew; her wonderful grandchildren and spouses; Christopher and Devon Hall, Alexander, Valerie, Cassandra and Gareth Jones, Stephanie, Savannah, and Alex Summers, Brittany and Matthew Roberts, Zachary, Anastasia, Paige, Rosie, Thomas; her great-grandchild; her sister and husband, Margaret and Victor Fisher; her brother and wife, Patrick and Brenda Broadhurst; and many nieces and nephews survive her. Her parents, sister Mary Sigley, and brother-in-law Ceril Sigley predeceased her.

To all her friends over the years, her family says, "Thank you friends for your kindness and love. Thank you God for sharing Katherine Mary Simms with us."

Mrs Simms loved without judgement, taught by her example, and walked with grace throughout her life. She was always the strength and core of her family. She was the one family gathered around each Friday night to celebrate their journey through life together and the one that they honor with how they live their lives.

Her family says, "She will forever be remembered and forever missed. May God hold her close in loving arms."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Thursday, December 15, at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Newtown Village Cemetery, 22 Elm Drive, Newtown.

Her family asks for those who wish, to join them and hold Mrs Simms in their thoughts and prayers.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is serving the family.