KIMPINSKI, Arline Georgina of Barrie, passed away peacefully at Owen Hill Care Community in Barrie, on Friday, April 12th 2024 in her 87th year.
Beloved wife (for 67 years) of Doug Kimpinski. Loving mother of Laurie Kimpinski-Greco (the late Victor), Joanne Kimpinski and Diane Kimpinski (Robert). Cherished nana of Daniel, Matthew (Sara), Alyssa (Andrew), Benjamin and Samuel. Sadly missed by her brother Martin Hall (Gloria).
Arline will be forever remembered and sadly missed by her many relatives and friends. A special thank you goes out to all the loving and caring staff at Owen Hill Care Community in Barrie.
Arline was born in Brighton England on December 29, 1936 to George and Nora Hall. Sadly, George was killed during WW2 when Arline was only 3 years old. Arline’s mother eventually remarried and the family immigrated to Toronto in 1955 when she was 16. After trying several different jobs, at 19, Arline settled into a position at Bell Canada where she caught the eye of Doug, who soon found numerous reasons to meander past Arline’s workstation.
Arline and Doug married in Februrary of 1957 after mum had just turned 20.The two decided to find excitement outside of the big city, and moved to North Bay to begin their married life. Arline’s parents, who by then had returned to England, wondered who was this young man with the odd surname, dragging their daughter off into the uncivilized, wild bush? It was challenging for Arline to be in Canada without her family but within a few years, her younger brother Martin and his wife Gloria immigrated as well. The family have resided in Barrie since 1969.
Arline was a dignified, conservative person with perfectly coordinated attire and grooming. We don’t believe there is one ‘bad’ photo of mum. Arline loved to be at home, raising her three daughters. She was a quiet, kind, caring, introverted person who enjoyed reading, cleaning her home, gardening and taking care of her loved ones. At home, mum was an accomplished baker, seamstress and drew amazing princesses. Mum was always excellent company. When life took a spin sideways, our first thought was ‘where's mum?’ so we could talk things through. Mum gave solid advice and was such a good listener. She genuinely cared and people responded to her warmth. She could not, however, wink (she had to hold one eye closed while taking photos, much to our endless amusement) or dive underwater (her bottom would not submerge. Ever). We often said mum should have been an accountant or bookkeeper because she was hands down the #1 micro manager and her attention to detail was impressive.
Mum enjoyed her grandchildren enormously, particularly when they were very young and cuddly. As the children grew, mum thoroughly enjoyed watching their lives evolve, discussing and learning of their perspectives and opinions, their interests and challenges. All the birthday parties, sporting events, graduations were enthusiastically attended over the years.
Mum and dad also enjoyed their annual trips to Florida. There were many good years, time spent with friends, family and travel. Life held joy and fulfillment until dementia eroded it all away and our mother was no longer with us. Mum, we miss you terribly but are relieved and happy your long struggle has finally ended.
At Arline’s and the family’s request, cremation has taken place. No service will be held at this time.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Furry Friends in Barrie or the Centre for addiction and mental health (CAMH) would be appreciated by the family.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Steven R. Bridge Funeral Home/Dignified Funeral Alternatives in Angus, ON 705-424-1114/888-322-7222