Kathryn Ann Simmons

Kathryn Ann (King) Simmons East Lansing Kathryn Ann Simmons, age 59, of East Lansing, Michigan died peacefully on August 15, 2010 surrounded by her loving family and friends. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, a warm and loving person, Kathy was born on September 10, 1950 in Flushing, New York to Paul A. and Hildred A. (Haight) King. She graduated from Eastchester High School (NY) in 1968 an Albion College (MI) in 1972, where she met college sweetheart Brent Simmons, now a professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. They married on August 19, 1972, while Brent was serving in the U.S. Navy. Throughout their 38 years of marriage, the couple lived in Orlando, FL; Newport, RI; Silver Spring, MD; Ypsilanti, MI: Yonkers, NY; and Washington, D.C., where their son, Michael (1980), and their daughter, Rachel (1983), were born. The young family moved to East Lansing in 1984. After more than 11 years of service, Kathy retired from the East Lansing School District in May 2007, due to complications from early onset Alzheimer's. She had been working as a paraprofessional instructor with "ESL" (English as a Second Language) students at Red Cedar, Pinecrest, and Glencairn Elementary Schools. Kathy was also extremely active in the community. She served as the Parent Council President at Pinecrest Elementary School. She also served: as a member of the Beautification of Pinecrest Elementary School Grounds Committee; in the Art in The Classrooms Program; and as Parent Council President at East Lansing High School. In addition, Kathy was a founding board member of the Pinecrest Neighborhood Association; an Ellen's Race volunteer; a Sarah Tarpoff Writing Contest reviewer; and was active in several School Board campaigns. She played an active role in securing passage of the East Lansing Recreational Bond for the Hannah Community Center, the East Lansing Aquatic Center and improvements to the East Lansing Public Library. Kathy was an avid reader and loved to travel with her family. She traveled extensively through the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, as well as extended visits to Spain, France, and Italy. Kathy also spent many enjoyable hours with the family at their condo near Lake Michigan. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Paul King, and her mother-in-law, Marjorie Simmons. She is survived by her loving husband, Brent Simmons of East Lansing; son, Michael (Julie) Simmons of Columbus, OH; daughter, Rachel (Damian) Rintelmann of Baltimore, MD; mother, Hildred (Haight) King of Climax, MI; sister, Carrie King (Steven Mish) of Hernando, FL: stepmother, Janet H. King of Somers, NY; cousin, David Stienecker of Flushing, NY; and three grandchildren: Carter, Kristina, and Ethan. She also leaves behind many, many dear and loving friends. A private family graveside service was held at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan. Memorial services will be held on August 18, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 333-2580. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kathy's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 335-8700. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.