Obituary of Simone Josephine McGrath

LAVERNE, CALIF. - Simone Josephine McGrath, 82,  passed away on August 19, 2022 in Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center near her residence in Laverne, after a prolonged period of progressive medical setbacks.

Born on March 19, 1940  in Glace Bay, she was a daughter of the late Edmond and Lina (DesVeaux) Chiasson.  Simone moved with her family to St. Johns, Quebec (now St. Jean sur Richelieu) where her teacher father joined the language teaching staff at the local Canadian Air Force training base. After high school graduation she worked at Canada Permanent in Montreal as a keypunch operator, until the mid 70’s, when she met Kelly when they were both visiting Nova Scotia. They married in Truro,  and took up residence in Los Angeles, Calif., where Kelly worked as an Air Canada agent for many years. Simone retained her Canadian citizenship throughout her time in California. She never lost her love for her home province and her Quebec-based friends. Simone made regular trips back to Canada to preserve her fond memories of her roots.

Surviving are her son, Jason McGrath, LaVerne; sister, Emilie MacIssac, Antigonish; brother, Roger (Bonnie) Chiasson, Halifax.

Besides her parents, she was predecased by her husband of 46 years, Calvary "Kelly";  brother, Cyril Chiasson. 

A portion of her ashes will be buried with Kelly and the remainder will be spread over the waters off Prince Edward Island, where a portion of her heart always resided.

A gravideside service will be held 4 p.m. Friday, June 2 in St. Andrews Cemetery, Egerton with Father Colin F. MacKinnon presiding.

Donations may be made in Simone's memory to Diabetes Canada .