It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dina Maria Simas

Dina was a warm, caring, and loving Wife, Mother, and Grandmother (Vavo). She is survived by her Husband, John of 64 years, Sons; John Jr (Elaine), Norm (Marta R), Henry (Marta C) and Andy (Betty), her 6 Grandchildren Mercedes, Nicholas, Trent, Kylie, Jordan, and Lauren.

Dina was born and raised in Agua D’alto, Azores. Shortly after marrying her husband John (Sr), she followed him to Canada in the mid 1960’s along with their son John Junior. They settled in and called Streetsville home, where they had another three boys and built a family within a wonderful community. Dina was the most gentle person you would ever meet, yet somehow managed a household of four boys.

Dina was a homemaker and an amazing cook. Many of the fondest family memories were the countless summers of family barbecues in the backyard. Vavo would prepare all of our favourite dishes, along with all the fixings, all lovingly prepared by our talented Vavo. Our family especially loved her barbecue chicken, and chocolate cake made with Mayo. But nothing compared to her Rice Pudding. Dina would make rice pudding for family dinners and her boys would all “sneak” spoonful’s when she was "not looking" because it was still warm.

Known for her quiet nature our beloved Mom and Vavo found solace by tending to her garden in the front and back yards, all spring and summer. Dina absolutely loved her garden; everything was clipped and trimmed down to the last leaf. She would often receive compliments about her garden from people as they walked by her house. She truly had a green thumb, and could grow almost anything! She would regularly take seeds from her travels abroad and bring them back to propagate at home. She had grown Cotton, Hibiscus and even a coffee plant! Along with her other herbs and vegetables. There are many fond memories of walking in the backyard with our Vavo to see how her vegetables were growing.

Dina was lucky to travel to some beautiful places, and see some beautiful things. Dina and her husband had numerous vacations traveling to Hawaii, California, Las Vegas, Mexico, through the Panama Canal, the Florida Everglades, numerous Caribbean cruises, London, Paris, Venice, Rome and the Vatican, Greece and several trips to the Azores to show her children and grandchildren their roots. However, Dina’s favourite place to be was at home, surrounded by her family and her plants.

Dina Maria Simas passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in her home surrounded by her family on February 10, 2025

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.