Rep. Mary Jane Simmons

FUNERAL HOME

Mack Family Funeral Homes - Simard Chapel

14 Walker St

Leominster, Massachusetts

Mary Simmons Obituary

51, Of 126 Burrage Avenue, Leominser, passed away Friday, August 13, in Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Simmons was born in Leominster on May 14, 1953 to Wesley E. Wallace and the late Mary (Pickford) Wallace. She was a lifelong resident of Leominster. Mrs. Simmons graduated from Leominster High School in 1971 and from the Nursing Program in 1973. She went on to work at Leominster Hospital and then in the private practice of Dr. Robert Rossi. Mrs. Simmons was elected to the Leominster City Council in 1986 first as a Ward 1 Councilor and then as a Councilor at Large. Mrs. Simmons was the first woman elected City Council President and Vice President. In 1993, she was elected as the State Representative for the 4th Worcester District where she served five terms. She was the Chairwoman of several committees during her tenure. Besides her father, Wesley E. Wallace in Leominster, Mrs. Simmons is survived by her husband Ronald A. Simmons; two daughters, Mary Kate Simmons and Jessica Simmons, both of Leominster; one son, Brandon Simmons of Leominster; one brother, Barry K. Wallace of Leominster; one niece, Kimberly (Baker) Gibbs of Hampstead, MD; she also leaves several aunts and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Susan (Wallace) Baker and her son, Richard R. Roberts, Jr. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 18, at 10:00 AM in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery in Leominster. A Time of Fellowship will follow the burial at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 484 Lancaster St., Leominster. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, August 17, in the John Tata Auditorium in Leominster City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ginny's Thrift Shop, 52 Mechanic St., Leominster, MA 01453. M.A. Simard & Son Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., LEOMINSTER is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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Published by Boston Globe on Aug. 16, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Simmons

13 Entries

John & Marian Cardillo, Sr.

August 29, 2004

Dear Simmons Family - We were saddened to learn of Mary Jane's passing. She was an exceptional woman. She helped us at a time no one else was able to and we will always be grateful. May God give you peace and comfort at this time.

Roberta Cobbett

August 19, 2004

My sympathy goes out to Rep. Simmons's family, friends and staff.

We in school nursing have lost a dear friend and an advocate and champion for school health care services for the children of Massachusetts.

The dedication and energy she gave to her constituants and to all in the Commonwealth was just amazing.

She will be greatly missed, though long remembered for all of her achievements.

August 19, 2004

To the Family and Friends of Mary Jane Simmons:

Representative MaryJane Simmons was a true champion of school nursing. From the very beginning of MSNO's lobbying for funding for school nurses, Representative Simmons was by our side. She clearly understood the need for nurses in the schools and made it a priority to convince her fellow legislators, and the leadership of the House, that funding for school nursing should be included in the state budget. Her belief in the value of school nurses came from her experience as a mother and her concern for the schoolchildren of MA in both public and non-public schools. Her strong advocacy never waivered. Representative Simmons continued her advocacy for health care in the schools even when her health was failing. She taught and advised those of us who lobbied for school nurse funding. Without her strong support I don't believe we would have been as successful as we have been. I feel honored to have known and worked with her.

We need to continue to work for what Representative Simmons so strongly believed in - a nurse in every school in Massachusetts.

Marcia Buckinster, Legislative Chair

Massachusetts School Nurse Organization

charles richard

August 18, 2004

hearing of maryjane's death saddens me, growing up with her son rick ,and being at her home growing up brings back memories, even years later she was always freindly and even remeber ing who i was, collecting for jerry's kids at the traffic lights always maiking me laugh and always made me feel good cause she was always happy to see me, i will always remeber how much of a great women she was to me and my family , i will truly miss her

Lambert family

August 17, 2004

Dear Simmons family, so sorry to hear of your loss. I used to babysit for Mary Jane, Susan and Barry when they were kids and I was in high school. Mary Jane's mother and my mother worked for years as maternity nurses at Leominster Hospital. I watched Mary Jane grow from a beautiful little girl to a wonderful young woman who did so much for the rest of us in this city. She was a champion for nurses in the school system as well as for the care of the developmentally disabled. Your Mom would be so proud!! Now you are with her and Susan and your son. Our prayers are now with your husband and children. We will never forget you Mary Jane. Love, The Lambert family

Meaghan Raux

August 16, 2004

Mr Simmons and Family,

Mary Jane was my nurse through Dr. Rossi all my childhood. She helped me through a very difficult time in my life. She had alot of love to give to everyone, she never ran out of it and everyone felt it.She also helped me to get what I needed in school. It was an honor to know her and love her and to be loved by her. I loved her and will miss her deeply. Please except my sympathies to you and your children.

love always

Meaghan Raux

George, Ivy, & Jesada Sanders

August 16, 2004

Dear Ronnie and Family Members:

First of all, we're saddened at the loss of a truly great lady, wife, and mother. She was a true champion and a very closely dear friend to this family. Without a doubt, she will be certainly missed by all that have come to know her over the many years. We pray that O'mighty God will comfort the needs of this family and give each one of you strength and peace within your heart. Mary Jane always looked at her cup being half full and would want each of you to carry on in a strong like manner for yourselves. May His blessings and love always dwell within each of your heart.

Love,

The Sanders' Family

Lauren DiBenedetto

August 16, 2004

To Ronny and Family,

I am so saddened to hear that Mary Jane has passed on. I have fond memories of growing up while helping my father with her campaigns. My first memory of her bringing me a hot chocolate while I held a sign for her on the curb of Lee's Cleaners will stay with me forever. Leominster truly lost one of its best and brighest stars...now Mary Jane will shine in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

God Bless,

Lauren

Terri Rivera

August 16, 2004

Ronnie, Wes, Barry, Kimberly & children:

I'm so sorry to hear the news of Jane's passing. You are all in my prayers and thoughts at this time.

We had many good times together and I'm grateful to have once been part of your family. I had a lot of admiration for Jane.

God never gives us more than we can handle. He is there for all of you in your darkest hours. May you find comfort in God's loving care and graces. Peace to all!

Love,

Terri

Rosalie Duplease

August 16, 2004

Ronnie and family,

So sorry to hear about your loss. May you and your family be comforted by family and friends during this very difficult time.

Sincerely,

Rosalie (Bourgeois) & George Duplease

Susan McNeill Spuhler

August 16, 2004

To Ronnie & Family,

My heart felt condolences to all of you. I'll always remember Mary Jane's smiling face and positivie outlook. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Richard Roberts

August 16, 2004

In Loving memories of MaryJane Wallace Simmons, from the whole intire Roberts family. Richard ,Robin, David, June, Danny, Samual,Beth, Jennifer Amelia. we all will truly miss you & love you M.J.

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