Biography of
Mary Simms
Mary
Simms was born in Makkovik, Labrador in 1894.
In the fall of 1907, Mary came to the Battle Harbor Hospital for
medical
treatment. Unable to return home she went
on to St. Anthony for the
winter and began her work with the Grenfell Mission.
Working with Dr. Grenfell that winter, AMary
nightingale@,
As he called her, found her life=s
work. She then went on to Boston to
train as a midwife. A year later,
she returned to St. Anthony, resumed her work with the mission and
continued on
for many years.
After moving to Main Brook in 1925, >Aunt
Mary,=As
she was known by all was the nurse for all the people of the French
Shore from
Englee to the fishot islands. Serving
the people of this area was
challenging and Aunt Mary traveled constantly with little thought for
her own
comfort. She did her last delivery at the
age of seventy-six.
A committed Christian, Aunt Mary was known all
along
the shore for her unselfish, comforting ways and for her leadership.
Courageous and resourceful, she was the strength of her
community.
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