Simone Cockerill

Simone Lucille Cockerill (née Carriere) was born on September 12, 1930, in San Clara, Manitoba, the sixth child of Arthur and Rose Carriere. She was one of thirteen siblings, though two sisters sadly passed away in infancy. Simone was the first daughter born and was truly the apple of her father’s eye.

Born during the Great Depression, Simone learned the value of hard work early in life. Like many children of that era, she carried significant responsibilities, completing chores before and after school, including demanding farm work. Despite her many duties, Simone found time for play and excelled in baseball, where she was selected as bat catcher—chosen because she was the only girl who could throw strongly and accurately to second base. She was known for her remarkably strong arm.

Family was incredibly important to Simone, and she shared countless fond memories over the years. She especially loved cooking for those she loved. Her children were blessed with endless care packages filled with perogies, cabbage rolls, homemade bread, jams, and jellies—the aroma of her baking could be detected blocks away. Simply put, it was the best.

Simone received her early education in San Clara, Manitoba, where she developed a lifelong love of learning. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a teacher. She graduated from high school at the convent in St. Rose, Manitoba, and went on to attend Provincial Normal School in Tuxedo, Winnipeg, where she earned her teaching certificate.

Simone taught school for over ten years and later continued as a substitute teacher. She was deeply proud of her career and remained in contact with several of her former students throughout her life—a true testament to the lasting impact she made. Even today, her children continue to hear fond memories shared by those she once taught. Teaching was truly her calling, and she approached it with patience, dedication, and a genuine passion for education.

In 1951, Simone met Nelson Cockerill at a local dance. After a brief courtship, they were married on October 22, 1952. In San Clara Manitoba, Simone embraced her role as a wife and continued teaching until the birth of their first child, Alma, in 1954. Together, Simone and Nelson went on to have 5 more children—Tim, Neil, and Carol, then 1965, they welcomed a much-anticipated surprise when twins Kevin and Ivan arrived. The twins were forever grateful to their older siblings for paving the way. As family stories lovingly recall, they “got away with everything.” 

Nelson’s special nickname for Simone was “Wicey,” a name remembered with affection.

Simone had a deep love of music and played several instruments, coming from a very musical family. She was actively involved in the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Roblin and St. Clair Roman Catholic Church in Santa Clara, where she served as an organist, Sunday school teacher, and devoted choir member—roles she cherished deeply.

Simone had a generous heart and a strong commitment to her community. She devoted countless hours to volunteer work, finding joy in serving others and bringing people together. She was a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion and held a special place in the San Clara Legion Auxiliary, where she was honoured to serve as its first president. She was also an active member of the Sacred Heart Ladies Group, Right to Life programs, the Hospital Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels, freely giving her time and energy in support of her values.

Simone was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nelson William Cockerill, in October 1988; her parents, Arthur and Rose Carriere; her granddaughter, Brette Alexandra Cockerill, in 1998; her son-in-law, Jim Boliziuk in 2008; and her siblings Albert, Ephrem, Marcel, Herve, Florian, Fergie, and Guy Carriere, and her sister Florence Arcand.

Simone is survived by her siblings Charlie (Gloria) Carriere, and two sisters Noella Porath, and Teresa (Bert) Holtby. Her children: Alma Boliziuk, Tim (Cheryl) Cockerill, Neil (Sharon) Cockerill, Carol (Russ) Ricard, Kevin (Karen) Cockerill, and Ivan (Donna) Cockerill. Together, Simone and Nelson leave behind a beautiful legacy of six children, nineteen grandchildren, and thirty-three great-grandchildren.

Simone will be remembered for her strength, kindness, devotion to family, love of learning, service to her community, and the deep impact she had on all who knew her.

Prayers were offered on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Roblin.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated for Simone on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:00 pm also from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Roblin.  

Interment followed in the Roblin Catholic Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Simone may be made to Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish or the Roblin Catholic Cemetery.

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