Obituary of Christena Simpson
Christena Edith Mary Simpson (née Tait)
1936-2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Christena Edith Mary Simpson (née Tait), known to many as Tena or "Teenie," at the age of 88 in Lloydminster. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Tena passed peacefully with her family in her heart.
Tena was born in Wadena, Saskatchewan, to Edith "Edie" and Andrew "Andie" Tait. She completed their family alongside her older brother, Bill. Named after her aunt Tena, mother, and grandmother, she grew up in a close-knit extended family that included grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. This loving environment filled her early life with warmth, laughter, and lasting memories.
Family gatherings were frequent and lively, often hosted in her parents' welcoming home. Cousins would sneak outside after dinner, singing and sharing jokes in the family car or getting into harmless mischief, such as the legendary Halloween prank of moving a neighbour's outhouse onto a train bound for Yorkton, SK. May was especially significant to Tena, as she celebrated her birthday with her favourite Uncle Jim and Cousin Marcia alongside her Mom, Dad, Aunt Jesse, and Aunt Phyllis.
In her youth, the family moved to Waterways, Alberta, where her father worked in the salt mines. Tena loved her time there, playing by the Clearwater River with Billy and building cherished memories with her extended family. The experience sparked a curiosity about the world beyond Wadena.
While working as a telephone operator in Wynyard, Tena met Jim Simpson. It took Jim six weeks of daily visits to the telephone company office before he finally mustered up the nerve to ask her out. The rest, as they say, is history. Together, they started their family in Humboldt, welcoming their children: Ellen, Mavis, Gerry Ann, and twins Janet and Jim. In 1966, they moved to Moose Jaw, where they welcomed their youngest and final bundle of joy, Beverly, in 1967. With their final move in 1971, to Lloydminster, where Tena and Jim actively raised their children and built a loving, fulfilling life together.
As her children grew older, Tena re-entered the workforce, taking on various roles. She managed the Orange Oasis, worked at the SAAN Store, served as the hotel desk clerk at the Alberta Hotel for Harry and Suzanne, and was a commissionaire. Among these positions, she found her calling as a commissionaire, which she began in 1979, to be the most satisfying. She was among the few to serve in all three police stations in Lloydminster and earned respect for her fairness, warmth, and belief that "people aren't bad; they just make poor choices."
Tena had always dreamed of having a large family. She found immense joy in raising her six children and welcoming their spouses into her life. When her grandchildren began to arrive, she was overjoyed and affectionately became known as "Grannie." Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Hosting sleepovers was a regular occurrence, and throughout her life, she cherished the evenings spent tucking her grandchildren into bed, saying their prayers, and singing them to sleep—just as she had done with her children as they were growing up.
The family lived within walking distance of downtown since Tena did not drive. She felt "thrilled" when one of the kids got their driver's license. Jim ensured a vehicle was available for the new driver and arranged for Tena to get a ride to her destination.
Tena was an exceptional cook. She could take what the kids considered an empty fridge and create a fantastic meal. Family favorites included her breaded pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, pan-fried steak, BBQ roast, cabbage rolls, Swiss steak, apple crisp, cake with brown sugar sauce, lemon cake, apple salad, shortbread, raisin drop cookies, and butter tarts.
Tena enjoyed the occasional cigarette and would "snitch" a cigarette from her children. She looked forward to her weekly visits to the hair salon and was thrilled when her hairdresser set up shop at Pioneer House, which meant her regular appointments could continue without interruption.
Tena used the telephone as her lifeline to her children and grandchildren. She preferred quick calls to check in, share love, and stay connected rather than lengthy conversations. She always ended these calls with "Love you"—two simple words that reminded us of how deeply she cherished us.
Tena and Jim passionately traveled to destinations like Europe, Hawaii, Florida, California, Arizona, and Vancouver Island. At home, they cherished their daily breakfast meetups at Zellers with friends, creating a beloved routine. When Zellers closed, it marked the end of an era for both.
During the COVID pandemic, Tena and Jim celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, just eight months later, Jim passed away, leaving Tena to face a challenging time. After his passing, she moved into Pioneer House in Lloydminster, where her caregivers quickly became like an extended family. Tena actively asked about their families and enjoyed hearing stories about their lives and activities. She treasured visits from Wendy (Les), Debbie, Gloria, Marcia (Tracy), and her family.
Leaving her daughters behind to celebrate her memory: Ellen MacEwen, Mavis Allin, Gerry Ann (Earl Fraser), Janet (Kim Smith), and Beverly (Greg Mckenzie). She leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Del (Jenn), Chad (Crystal), Tanis (Marc), Dustin, Danae, Brody, Danielle, Nicholas, LJ, Morgan, Evan, Skylar (Naomi), and Kelsey (Henri). Additionally, she has 15 great-grandchildren: Leith, Nya, Arwyn, Jaiden, Kristen, Vivianne, Ethan, Jayia, Oaklen, Darian, Lycia, Paisley, Aubrey, Mable, and Ellie, along with two great-great-grandchildren, Sage and Sadie. Tena is also survived by special family members, including cousins Jeannie (Gordie Coombs), Bobby (Lynn) Tait, Marcia (Tracy Kolenchuk) Tait, Don Tait, Mina Pearson, and many nieces and nephews. She kept close relationships with her large extended family, which included sisters-in-law Marion Fish, Verla Craig (Tony), Isabel Brigham (Gavin), brothers-in-law Barry Simpson (Linda), and Murray Lowe. Over the years, she had loving connections with all the family pets: Ophie, Tierney, Ciara, Lilly, Red, Bells, Tucker, Huck, and Abby.
Tena was predeceased by her husband, Jim; her son, Jim Jr.; her son-in-law, Monty MacEwen; her parents, Andrew and Edith Tait; her brother, William (Bill) Tait (Barb); her parents-in-law, Tommy and Daisy Simpson; her brothers-in-law, William (Bill) and Gerald Simpson; including Maynard Craig, and Wes Brigham. She also mourned the loss of her sisters-in-law, Shirley Edmunds, June Hamilton (Bill), Gail Lowe, and dear family friend Lynne Williams, along with many beloved pets, including Sandy, Cooper, Bandit, Nibbles, and Old Tom.
Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pioneer House for their care and compassion during this difficult time, to Archdeacon Michael Stonehouse for his spiritual visit, and to McCaw's Funeral Service for their professional and compassionate guidance.
We wish to express our appreciation for the kind expressions of sympathy following her passing. Following Tena's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private family interment will be held at Lloydminster Cemetery on July 27, 2025, which would have marked Tena and Jim's 70th wedding anniversary.
If you wish to honour Tena's memory, please consider a memorial donation in her name to The Olive Tree Community Centre – Seniors Dinner Program or a charity of your choice.
Tena's life was rich with family, filled with love, and defined by connection. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering affection.
"We will always remember you because there will never be another person to replace you in our hearts. We love you to the moon and back, Mom!"
Sincerely, the Tena Simpson Family
