Lilian Margaret Rose Simmonds (11 Oct 1938 - 23 Apr 2026)

In loving memory of Lilian Margaret Rose Simmonds who sadly passed away on 23rd April 2026.

Wife to Robin (RIP 2021), Mother to Andrew and David, Grandmother to Miles, Great-grandmother to Joseph and predeceased by younger sister Rosina (RIP 2025).

Lilian wanted to be three things, a nurse, an artist and a writer; she became a staff nurse in her twenties and worked on small artistic endeavors throughout her life and gained a Degree in Textile Art from Chichester at age 61. Sadly she never published a novel but was a voracious fiction reader and usually figured out the plot early on; she also preferred to read New Scientist instead of ‘lightweight’ Women’s magazines.

Lilian was devastated when husband Robin died in 2021 after a tough battle with strokes and cancer and was devastated again when younger sister Rosina died in 2025 after a fall.

Lilian kept going for her sons Andrew and David, after all her close friends had died, saying each day is a gift and there were so many more books to read and tennis matches to watch. Andrew had moved to Australia and David lived in USA but returned to UK in 2023 for the last few years of her life; each kept in regular contact with FaceTime and Andrew visited for Xmas 2025 and New Year, the last time the ‘Simmonds Trio’ would be together.

Looking through Lilian’s computer after she passed, son David found a document ‘A Story for my Family’ which contained many details of her childhood, moving from New Zealand at a young age, Nursing, getting married and later life; neither Andrew or David had seen document before, but it contained many things spoken at some time, but barely remembered or forgotten. This was a beautiful gift to leave behind.

Lilian broke her hip in a fall at home and had a successful operation day after, but after nearly two months in hospital picked up pneumonia two days before due to go home and passed away a week later. Lilian was medically fit to go home two weeks previous, but there were delays getting Care package of Carers arranged. Her existing emphysema and low weight due to allergy limited diet contributed to her passing.

Husband Robin's page is at:
https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/92970