Deidre Ann Simmons

Deidre Ann Simmons (formerly Tedds) born December 28, 1944, in Victoria, BC. She slipped away in the night on February 20,2025, after a short battle with Ovarian Cancer. She lived a full life. She is survived by her husband Murray Watkin, sisters Lynn and Vicki Simmons, daughters Erin Flaim and Lindsay Tedds (Peter), grandchildren Marina, Matteo and Pierson, and nieces (Alison), nephews (Mike and Andrew), and Murray’s family who she loved. She was predeceased by her parents Vic and Beth Simmons and her niece Lene Curts.

Deidre grew up in the Alberni Valley after three short years in West Vancouver. The family, who were strongly connected to Victoria and well known for their contributions to community, returned home. She graduated from Vic High and, after 1 year at UVic, she trained as a Laboratory Technologist at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. In 1966, she married Lenoard Tedds and followed a life with the Royal Canadian Navy spending time in Halifax, Victoria, Regina, Petawawa, Ottawa and Lahr, Germany. During this time, she raised her two daughters, Erin and Lindsay, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University, learned to weave and dye wool, and many other creative talents, all which led to her work as an Art Historian.

Upon returning to Canada, Deidre spent time in Ottawa working for the Federal Government. Particularly at the Canadian Museum of Civilization where she was the project manager opening the Indian Art Centre. She was very proud of this accomplishment and her work was well regarded. Her roots were always in Victoria. In 1989, she moved back and married Murray Watkin. She worked as a Consultant at BC Archives. Her time back though was short lived before they moved to Winnipeg. Never one to miss an opportunity, she graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Masters in Archival Studies and worked at the Hudson’s Bay Company. It was during this time that Deidre found the story within her and wrote the “Keepers of the Records: A History of the Hudson’s Bay Archives”.

Victoria’s pull was strong. In 1993, they returned to Victoria for good. Deidre was the Records Manager for UVic Archives. She then retired and became a consulting archivist for various organizations and individuals including the Roman Catholic, Archdiocese of Vancouver, P.K. Page, and St. Margarets School (Servite in Caritate: The First 100 Years of St. Margaret’s School, 1908-2008).

Retirement brought with it many different adventures and travel with Murray, mostly in Europe. Their journeys were always filled with fun and often spent meeting up with family. They even spent six months in the South of France. They resided in many homes, finally settling in Falcon Ridge Estates. Deidre participated in the Strata by volunteering in several capacities over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Foundation’s World Leading Ovarian Cancer Research.

Arrangements are entrusted to McCall’s Funeral Home Victoria. At her request there will be no service. Family and close friends gathered on February 23, 2025, to honour Deidre in the Club House at Falcon Ridge Estates.

“Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make. So, travel often and live life with open eyes and an open heart.” ~ Katie Grissom

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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