Judy SIMMONDS

JUDY SIMMONDS The impossible has happened. Our unstoppable mother, Judy Simmonds, has left the world of the living, remaining forever in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her. And there are legions. Predeceased by her husband of almost 60 years, Monty Simmonds (2011), she leaves her daughters, Jill Cherniak (Lloyd), Cathy Perlmutter (Alan), Joy Simmonds (Colin MacAdam), and Anne Simmonds (Maggie Howatt), chosen children Michele Candler (Frank Nagy), Henry Levy (Catherine Hobart), Marc Levy (Irene Chorich), Michael Levy (Leslie Haber), Walter Fine (Lynn Mason), grandchildren Jason Cherniak (Heather), Harry Cherniak, and Bill Cherniak, Heather Nadler (Amos), Lisa Veloce (Joseph), Jenny Perlmutter (Murali), Sara Perlmutter, Esther Simmonds-MacAdam, Danny MacAdam (Andrea), Veronica Simmonds (Isaac), Melanie Spence, Patricia Spence (David), Johnny Spence (Erin), Aaron and Ethan Levy and great-grandchildren Benjamin, Charlie, Jordana, Maya, Daniella, Ariel, Josie, Levi, Rowan, Molly, Ursula, Bruno, Emma, Cooper and Riley. Judy was born in Toronto, educated at the Brown School and Branksome Hall, completing her arts degree at McGill University and University of Toronto. She met Monty in 1951, bringing her ukulele on their first date ("In case I was bored") which apparently sealed the deal! Judy contributed volunteer skills to many organizations in the arts community, and none more than the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Committee which she joined in 1959. There she enjoyed the lively, productive lunch meetings (replete with Bloody Mary's), and made lifelong friends. Judy took the TSOVC by storm, running the annual auction at the rummage sale, selling all the ads for the Toronto Symphony News, and launching her fundraising brainchild, the Dream Auction, where anyone could bid on dreams "you couldn't just buy" - like conducting the TSO at a concert, or wrecking a building with Teperman's Demolition, or touring Toronto sewers with then Mayor, David Crombie. In the late 1970s and early '80s, she singlehandedly raised two million dollars towards the construction of Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall, strumming her ukulele and belting out her song "Help build New Massey Hall, Folks!" (to the tune of, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"). In the late '80s and '90s, Judy became an entertainment agent providing acts for conventions, clubs, festivals, and touring several acts and performers to various communities all over Ontario as a member of the Ontario Arts Council. One of Judy's favourite pursuits was skiing at Devil's Glen Ski Club where she was renowned for singing at the top of her lungs as she shushed down the hills, pausing only for a swig of Slivovitz from her alpine leather pouch. She loved the family chalet there, built in 1967, legendary for raucous apr ski parties and still going strong with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Judy adored her farm in Mulmur, her daily hikes with Susanna and Adrian, her vibrant community of friends who loved her dearly and gathered for any/all occasions to share stories, laughter, food and wine. Judy had so many passions - hiking, playing golf, and plein-air painting. She loved to cook and entertain and, to Monty's dismay, was always the last to leave the party. She loved and lived with incredible passion, exhorting all of us to "face life with a smile and a song". Judy's wish was that we have a fabulous celebration of her life which will take place at a later date. Donations in honour of Judy to The Toronto Symphony or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.