Josée Simard grew up in Les Mechins, Quebec. Over the years, she has worked extensively in public-facing roles for a variety of organizations such as the Regroupement des Femmes de la région de Matane, helping families in need. 

As the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother, Mrs. Simard laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on 11 November 2021 on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or a daughter in the military either in action or in the course of his/her normal duty. Throughout the year she will also be called upon to perform other duties honouring the Fallen from all conflicts. 

She lost her daughter, Corporal Karine Blais, on 13 April 2009, when the armoured vehicle she was traveling in struck a roadside bomb near Kandahar, Afghanistan.