Madeleine Jane Sima

Madeleine Jane Sima, 90, of New Buffalo, MI and Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully in Knoxville on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. Born Madeleine Jane Todd on August 31, 1920 in Portland, OR to Mae Victoria and Ralph Arthur Todd, she attended boarding school in Vancouver, WA in 1929. She later moved to Chicago to attend St. Gertrude's and Immaculate Schools where she found her love of writing in the school newspaper and poetry club. She cherished herb time in her father's Pendleton clothing store in Chicago's Palmer House and owned her own dress shop from 1944-48. In 1949, she married Louis James Sima and moved to Riverside, IL. Madeleine and Louis then moved to New Buffalo in 1955 to start the New Buffalo Marina which operated until 1971 hoping then that New Buffalo would grow into its own, and become the ‘destination' that it is today. Madeleine's generosity was the catalyst for the ‘Louis J. Sima Nature Preserve'.She lived for lively discussions founded from her time as secretary of the Republican Party in New Buffalo. Madeleine was a passionate reader and writer; she published a book on breast-feeding. Madeleine valued many time-honored friendships, some since childhood and loved entertaining family and friends, never at a loss of controversial conversation. She delighted in the company of her children and grandchildren, was very patient, and loved to share memories of how life was when she was young. Madeleine was known for her wit, charm & style. Hugs, kisses and saying ‘I love you' were an important part of each day.Madeleine was preceded in death by her husband, Louis James Sima; daughter, Louise Sima; son, Todd Moelich. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Madeleine and Bill Reinke of Knoxville; sons, Louis James Sima Jr. and wife Elizabeth of New Buffalo, MI, Ralph Sima of Los de Marcos, Mexico; daughter-in-law Joanne Moelich of New Buffalo, MI; grandchildren, Cathleen Reinke, Kellen Moelich, Robert Sima, Brett Sima, Will Reinke, Louisa Reinke, Ray Reinke, Madeleine Mae Reinke, Parker Sima; great grandchildren, Aaron and Ashley Moelich; one great great grandchild.On Friday, Sept. 10, the family will receive friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm at Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:00pm at the funeral home. Madeleine's final resting place will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Buffalo Public Library.