Gwendolyn Ann Simmons

Gwendolyn Ann Simmons (nee Walford), 86, of Wallingford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in her home on May 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 9, 1938, in New Haven, Connecticut.

Gwen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Joseph William Simmons Sr., and her six children: Shawn W. Waldron (Ginger) of Groton; Deborah L. Coan of San Marcos, California; Laurie A. McNamara (Michael) of Wallingford; Daniel A. Coan (Jill) of Westbrook; Joseph W. Simmons Jr.(Cara) of Wallingford; and Michelle M. Meade (Michael) of Jefferson, Georgia. Her grandchildren: Kelsey Aldana, Maggie Kaschel, Andrew McNamara, Patrick McNamara, Nicole Stark, Brendan Coan, Joseph Simmons III, Caleb Simmons, Alaina Simmons, Susanna Simmons, Benjamin Simmons, Jacob Meade, and Ellie Meade. Gwen was also cherished by her eight great-grandchildren.

She was a 1956 graduate of Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, Connecticut. During high school, she studied flute at Yale and was the second chair flutist in the local symphony orchestra for two years. She was also in the acclaimed all-state orchestra and traveled around the state performing. She loved music and would memorize all the pieces she played. She was encouraged by her music professors to attend The Juilliard School in New York City but ended up attending Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island to study fashion design.

Gwen was a woman of countless talents, some of them being art, music, fashion, crafts, and cooking. She became an excellent seamstress, and made clothes and gowns for herself and others. During high school, she worked at the YMCA, as well as the First National Bank to earn money to fuel her passion of sewing.

In addition to being a homemaker, she was a single mom and worked as a waitress at the Oakdale Tavern, for several years. There, she met her husband Joseph and was married for 54 years. Gwen was adored by all her children, and although she did not follow either of her dreams, she enjoyed sharing her love of cooking with family and her artistic talents with her grandchildren.

She found humor in daily life and was known to play a practical joke on occasion, always ready with a funny story up her sleeve. She was the type of person who never met a stranger and also loved hosting family gatherings.

She also adored her cats, was an avid bird watcher, and loved all sorts of animals, especially the cows that she helped care for at a neighbor's farm. As a veracious reader, she remembered everything she read and was a walking encyclopedia with all kinds of information. With her listening ear and wisdom, she was able to help guide and encourage many in her circles.

She was involved with the family business for many years and was the friendly voice for Family Pest Control. She was known by her friends and business associates for her warm and endearing personality.

Her motherhood joy was completely fulfilled when she was reunited with her firstborn son, Shawn, after nearly 60 years.

She was raised in the First Congregational Church of Wallingford and was also involved as an adult. Although her faith was a quiet one, she had a strong belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour and was assured of her eternal destiny in heaven.

She is predeceased by her parents, Stephen McQuat Walford from Montreal, Canada, and Thelma Ethel Hamilton from Fowler, Indiana, as well as her sister, Beverly Sue Danielson from Durango, Colorado.

A celebration of Gwen's life will be held at Heritage Baptist Church, 161 South Whittlesey Avenue, Wallingford, Connecticut, on Saturday, May 18th, at 11:00 am. A private reception, for family only, will be held afterward.