Pauline Simmons

1915 - 2009

Pauline Simmons went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at the age of 93. Pauline was born in Harrisburg, Illinois, on April 18, 1915, to Charles and Vera (Kubilis) Birkitis. She met her husband, Harley, at the American Can Co. and they were married in Chicago. They were transferred to New Orleans and lived there for 18 years before being transferred back to Chicago and then to Connecticut. After he retired, Pauline and Harley traveled extensively through the Retired Executives Peace Corps. They were assigned to help can-making companies in Belgium, Argentina, Philippines and China and spent months at a time in each of these countries. While there, she made many wonderful friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Pauline's outgoing personality attracted everyone she met. She was a master at telling funny stories and jokes. In addition to her charming ways, she always offered a sympathetic ear when needed and was a compassionate friend to everyone. Pauline and Harley moved to Florida in 1986 and Citrus Hills had been her home ever since.
She was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Grace. Although, Pauline was deeply religious, those beliefs lived happily alongside the ones that said it's always 5 o'clock somewhere, with good food to share, funny things to say and songs to sing. Pauline was a fantastic hostess and loved amusing her guests with her lighthearted humor.
Pauline was a member of Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club, where she was an avid golfer. Her last hole-in-one was in 1997 at the age of 82. She was also on numerous bowling leagues during her lifetime. You will be missed, Pauline.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Simmons; brothers, Johnny Birkitis, Wally Carpson and Stanley Karpson; sisters, Stella Karpson and Millie Weimer and son-in-law, Ron Weir.
Survivors include her daughter, Alice L. Weir of Roachdale, Indiana; sister-in-law, Eleanor Birkitis of Oak Lawn, Illinois; grandchildren, Jeff Weir and his wife Janell and Jennifer Monroe, all of Roachdale, Indiana; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place on Monday, March 2, 2009, from 5 to 7 PM at Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Hwy., Beverly Hills. A Funeral Mass will be officiated by Father Frank Lubowa on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at 11 AM at Our Lady of Grace, 6 Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills, with entombment to follow at Fero Memorial Gardens. For further information, call 352-746-4551.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Citrus County, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464.
Arrangements under the direction of Fero Funeral Home