Obituary of Tove Marie Simonsen

Slipped away peacefully in her 100th year, on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020, Tove Marie Simonsen, of London, Ontario, at Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital while her family wasn’t looking, so as not to make a fuss. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 30th, 1920 to Thora and Erik Alling, Tove achieved fame at the age of seven when, after breaking Mom’s prized teacup, she ran away with brother Egon, pushing a baby stroller down the Danish coast and stirring a nationwide hunt which later became the subject of a popular play (she was not allowed to see it). As Tove’s mother endured an unpreferred stay in a concentration camp, the best of many trials in occupied Denmark for Tove was the birth of cherished daughter Anne (Harry Martindale) in 1944. In 1957, she and the love of her life, Karlo Simonsen, struck out for the wilds of Canada, finally settling in Byron, where Tove lived for another 60 years. She worked in Eaton’s camera department downtown, but Karlo’s career with Northern Telecom meant decades of world travel, while still being heavily involved in London’s Danish expat community. Tove eventually became the adored “Nannie” to grandchildren Rod Keith and Leanne Sexton, and great-grandchildren Jason, Jacob, Nathaniel, ToviAnne, Jasper and Mia. However, her kindness, good humour, and easy charm made her beloved by all, creating friends across all walks of life. Tove’s indomitable positivity surmounted many health crises that would have felled a football team, and she enjoyed nearly 30 years of vigorous independent living beyond her husband’s passing, before complications from a recent fall required residence at Strathmere Lodge in Strathroy, where staff and residents quickly grew to love her too. Tove now goes to join a century of friends and family before her, but she leaves behind many wonderful memories for us here. A visitation for Tove will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 7:00 ~ 9:00 p.m. A private inurnment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery will be held at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated.