Obituary

Dolley May Downey Simmonds

            Born December 18, 1937 in North Preston, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a massive stroke on February 24, 2023. Daughter of John Henry and Hannah Mae (Beals) Downey, both deceased many years ago, leaving most of their children to be raised by relatives (as close knit communities often do!)

            Survived by siblings Loffie, Ezonia Baisel & Graling. Predeceased by siblings John Henry Jr., Edward Alexander, Lester, Quinza-Myial & Fulton, and half-sister Beatrice (Downey) Willis. Dolley was raised by her mother’s sister and her brother-in-law, Gracie & George Glasgow (deceased), instantly gaining more siblings.

            Dolley was predeceased by her husband Manifold Simmonds. She was the proud mother of six children, Victor (deceased), Victoria ‘Sugar’, Drake (deceased), Donakin ‘Dinky’, Julian ‘Brother’ & Julianna ‘Sissy’, along with the adoption of her grandson Cy Paul Jr. (deceased). Eight grandchildren, one great-grandson, Auntie to many, Godmother to many more, but one very special Goddaughter/niece is Susie Downey, (Dolley and Susie were real buddies!).

            Dolley worked briefly at the Children Aids Society, as a cook, before setting into the role of housewife and mother full time. Dolley was one of the matriarchs of this Downey Family and also a ‘North Preston & Areas Historian’- just ask Doll!

And as many of you know, Dolley loved to dance- (she was always dancing!) So please, dance for Doll . . . always!

Visitation

Service

Date
March 10, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home-Bathurst
Time
01:00 PM

Cremation

*

March 12, 2023
Angel
Btw Aunt Doll. Yes, it's going to be for my Lord, I know it's going to be for my Lord !!!
March 12, 2023
Loffie
Doll, I lost my sister and best friend. I will tell you how much I won on my strach ticket when I see you. I will miss you forever. Love your twin sister, Loffie 😘💕
March 12, 2023
Angel
Aunt Dolley, you have blessed me with so many amazing memories. When I need a pick me up, I will close my eyes and imagine your wonderful and kind smile. One I have known my whole life. I will cheerish our special moments for a lifetime. Love, Angel 💝.
March 12, 2023
Denise
My desrest goddaughter (Aunt Doll). I hope your eternal journey home is filled with wonderful memories. I will forever miss your warm, humorous, and contagious laugh. But most of all, I will simply miss you 💞. Godmother Denise 😂😂.
March 10, 2023
Bonnie
RIP Dolley. My thoughts and prayers are with the Downey Family. Stay strong for each other.
March 10, 2023
Melinda Cain
Sending my deepest condolences to the Simmonds & Downey family
March 10, 2023
Sherrie & Viola Cain
My deepest condolences to my Mom Viola Cain friend Dolly historians of North Preston RIP🙏🏾