Jean Ann Simmons

Jean Ann (Doherty, Ball) Simmons died peacefully March 28, 2026 after a sudden, but brief, illness at Mease Countryside Hospital in Oldsmar, Florda. Jean lived in Greenfield, MA for most of her life before “retiring” to Florida several years ago. Jean was the daughter of Peter J. and Dorothea M. (Casler) Doherty of Florence, MA. She leaves behind her loving husband of 40 years Richard C. Simmons (her beloved Dickie) of Oldsmar, FL and Douglas, MA, a son, Scott A. Ball of Greenfield, MA, a step-son, Richard B. Simmons of Tampa, FL and his wife Victoria Miceli, a step-daughter, Victoria A. Simmons of Clearwater, FL, two grandchildren Brady and Janie Simmons of Tampa, FL, a step-grandson, Luca J. Miceli of Tampa, FL, a twin brother, John C. Doherty of Florence, MA, a close cousin Margaret M. Foley of Mont Vernon, NH, and several lifelong friends, including Class of 1963 Northampton High School alums.

A 1965 graduate of the first Nursing Class of Greenfield Community College, Mrs. Simmons taught in the Associate Degree Nursing Program 1968-69 and from 1974-1998, at which time she was appointed the Director of the Associate Degree Program. She directed the program until her retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate of St. Anselm College in 1968 and achieved her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from UMass, Amherst in 1990. Mrs. Simmons was employed as a staff nurse at the former Farren Memorial Hospital, Turners Falls, MA from 1975 until its closure in 1988. She spent several years in CA and MA assisting patients who had had ostomy surgery in her role as an Enterostomal Therapist. She was the Editor and a chapter contributor for “Prospectives, Celebrating 40 Years of Associate Degree Nursing Education” published by the National League for Nursing Press which was awarded the American Journal of Nursing Education 1993 Book of the Year Award.

Jean was an adventurer of life, passionate about all things. She made everything and everyone around her better, putting her special mark on all things she was involved with. Her favorite activities were golfing, traveling, and family time. Jean spent a lot of time at Crumpin Fox Golf Club in Bernardston, MA and Fox Hollow Golf Club in Trinity, FL where she had several holes in one and enjoyed lifelong friends. Jean was an avid traveler seeing many parts of the world, especially enjoying the Caribbean Islands and Ireland. She filled the room with her smile and shared her kindness with all. Her favorite saying was: Work as if you don’t need the money. Love as if you have never been hurt. Dance as if no one is looking! She felt her life was fully lived and was very proud of her contributions in all aspects of her life.

Born and raised a Catholic but conflicts in values led to living more of a spiritual life, believing in God and praying for peace in times of stress. She loved and deeply appreciated her whole Simmons Family………and loved her son Scott unconditionally.



The family will hold celebrations of a life well-lived both in Florida and Massachusetts in the near future.

Jean founded the Greenfield Community College Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament “Striving and Driving for GCC Scholars” in 1990. Contributions may be made in her memory to the GCC Foundation, 270 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301.