Margaret Lillian Simmons (27 Feb 1932 - 15 Sep 2024)

In loving memory of Margaret Lillian Simmons who sadly passed away on 15th September 2024.
The youngest of a family of six surviving children, Margaret was born in Dagenham, Essex in 1932. Her family had migrated from South Shields in the 1930s and she was the only one born in the South and not therefore a 'sand-dancer'. After a difficult childhood Margaret met and married Tony Simmons, and they moved to Canvey Island in the 1960s when their children were small.
Margaret volunteered at the Save the Children shop on the Island, and helped with fundraising. It was a charity close to her heart. She loved children and never wanted any child to suffer as she had.
For many years Margaret had a sweet stall on the former Canvey market, and then in the Shopping Hall, where Iceland now sits. She was a feisty lady, but had a big heart, and would help anyone in trouble.
She loved to knit, and was an accomplished dressmaker, baker and cook. But most of all she loved to clean her much loved house.
Margaret is predeceased by her husband Tony, and all her siblings: Bill, Doris (Peggy), Mary, Gordon, Andrew, Connie and Angus and her beloved Mother Elizabeth. Margaret leaves behind her daughters Marie and Amanda, son in laws Neil and Gerry, her beloved granddaughters Elizabeth and Emily, many nieces and nephews, and her new family and friends at Parklands Nursing Home in Benfleet who cared for her so well when her health failed.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
Margarets funeral will take place at St Nicholas Church, Long Road, Canvey Island on Tuesday 29th October at 10.45 am, followed by a short service at Basildon Crematorium at 12 noon. Please let us know if you are attending so we can have an idea of numbers.
Family Flowers only please. For those who wish to, donations can be made to the Save the Children fund (via this page) which Margaret volunteered for in her younger days.