Gwendolyn Ann Simmons

Gwen was my mother-in-law by name, but she was a true mother to me through and through. I was with her during her last breath, as she opened her eyes in heaven. Oh, if only I could have seen what she was seeing right then! I'm sure my dad was right there as one of the greeters at the gate of heaven. She was an amazing woman: unselfish, full of wisdom, never complained, always looking for the good in all...I could go on, but I want to share the poem I wrote for her that I hope captures the essence of who she was:

A Mom's Heart (by Cara Simmons)

You never can imagine,
When you will be apart.
And emptiness that is a void,
A hole inside your heart.

Though her life was full of pain,
She focused on the good.
Always there to lend an ear,
To do whate'er she could.

She was a gracious hostess,
A mother, wife, and friend.
She loved her birds and kitties, too,
Right up to the end.

I know she's up in heaven,
Where forever she'll abide.
But for now, I'll see her smile,
As I watch the ocean tides.

Her voice will be the sound of bells,
And in the birds that sing.
Her eyes will twinkle from above,
Like the stars of early spring.

Joe, Cara & family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. May God comfort you in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior.
Eve & Ralph Correia

Me and my brother Andrew have many beautiful memories with our grandma. She taught us so many things about art, kindness, and so much more. We spent countless weekends over at her house watching movies, eating fantastic home-cooked meals, and laughing together. These memories are talked about often with myself and my brother.

She always had an interesting fact about something, she was so knowledgeable in many different topics. We loved to ingest the knowledge she had to offer. She also had many cats! At one point she had around 9 cats all with different personalities, they were much fun and were a big part of our visits with her.

Grammy loved me and my brother and we will always hold her memories in our hearts and never forget the love she gave us.

Missing you grammy, and I hope me and Andrew made you proud, we love you so much and wish we could say this to you one more time <3

Gwen and I played flute together in grade school and high school with Dr. Otto and Miss Hart. She was my neighbor on Mansion Road, Wallingford in her first marriage and her girls and my daughter Cindy were friends for a long time. I know that she was sick for a while and is now at peace with her son Shawn. My heart go out to her family will be missed and God Bless the family.

Gwen was a lifelong friend and a very special person in my life. I will miss her very much. Love you Gwen ... Skip

Laurie,
I didn´t know your mom well but you have been my friend since 1981. I feel like I knew your mom through you.
I´m so sorry for your loss. It´s never easy no matter your age.
My prayers go to you and your family for peace.
Your BF Sara

My fondest memories of Gwen were the many conversations I´ve enjoyed with her as a teen at her home on Ward Street, when I was waiting on Laurie or Deb, yep going way back. She always made me feel loved and welcomed and she had such a contagiously cheerful disposition and a calming way about her. Then as time went on there were the many important family events (weddings, birthdays) where we could catch up. I´d always gravitated to Gwen at those occasions. Also the countless times through the years that I´d call her panicked with a pest problem and every time, she´d very assuredly walked me through the easy solution. It´s been a privilege and a blessing to have been loved and accepted into this beautiful big family for 48 years! I´ll miss your mom.
My love to you all, Allie