Ernest Matthew Simar and Margaret Elaine Lejeune Simar

Margaret Elaine Lejeune Simar was born to Leo and Lydiana Leger Lejeune on Oct. 10, 1936. We were blessed to have her with us until July 17, 2022.

We believe she is in joyous reunion with her husband of 63 years, Ernest Matthew Simar, who passed away on Jan. 24, 2018. Margaret had three siblings who passed before her – Steve, survived by his wife, Donna; “Putty” (Patricia), survived by her son, Freddie and Micky (Michael), along with his wife, Mildred, who are survived by their daughter, Nicole. Ernest also had three siblings who passed before him – Ray (along with his wife, June), Eula and June (along with her husband, Larry). Each couple had several children. Margaret and Ernest were both born in Iota. They lived in various places: New York (when Ernest was in the Army); Louisiana, including Jennings, Egan and New Iberia; and Pass Christian, Miss. Margaret last lived in Powder Springs, Ga., with family members.

They both had a great sense of humor and called each other “Babe” (pronounced “beb” (like “web,” not “babe” with a long “a”).

They loved to travel in their camper. Meeting people, a little gambling and traveling were among their greatest joys. Florida to New York. Georgia to California. Grand Canyon, Ariz., to the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. Las Vegas, Gulfport, Biloxi and everywhere in between.

Margaret and Ernest really enjoyed their surprise 50th wedding anniversary party held in Jennings, where many friends and family helped them celebrate with lots of food and music, including an original song about their lives together written by one of their children. They are survived by their children Gail, Kevin (his wife, Monique) and Judi (her husband, Johnny and their children, James and Jae). Their son, Ricky, who lived in Texas, preceded them in passing, but is survived by his children, Lexi and Jayson.

Margaret and Ernest lived 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Patient, kind, not envious or boastful or proud. Also Matthew 5:6-16 — Pure in heart, honest, salt, light, giving, loving. Both donated their remains to local universities for research in the hope of helping others. We miss you every day. We hold your laughter and love in our hearts. Thank you, God, for letting us enjoy their company as long as we did. Can’t wait to see you again. 1 This tribute to Momma and Daddy is long overdue. Somehow I felt writing it would make their absence all too “real.” But I can still hear her fussing at me, and I can still hear his laugh.