Mary Patricia Simms

1945 - 2021

Simms, Mary Patricia

MADISON - Mary Patricia Simms, 75, of Madison, died Monday, April 5, 2021, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on April 15, 1945, in Buffalo, N.Y., the daughter of Alfred and Flora (Marchiando) Hoftiezer.

Patricia graduated from high school in Buffalo, Rosary Hill College in Buffalo, and received her master's degree from Northwestern University. She worked as a journalist for the Wisconsin State Journal for 43 years, retiring in 2011. She wrote breaking news stories, features, columns, and was a trusted reporter on many topics. She then discovered a talent and passion for teaching. She taught at the UW-Madison, MATC and the Department of Corrections. She then began teaching at Edgewood College, where she was also the supervising faculty for the student paper. She loved teaching at Edgewood and formed close, lasting bonds with her students.

Patricia most enjoyed traveling to see her family and spending time with her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond words. She traveled far to visit them and had many adventures along the way.

Patricia is survived by her son, Joseph (Jennifer Lewis) Simms; daughter, Sara (Jonas) Lalander; six grandchildren, Anja Lalander, Lawton Simms, Owen Lalander, Theodore Simms, Loke Lalander and Rose Simms; and brother, Robert Hoftiezer. She is further survived by her two stepchildren, Tawny Falk and Jon Simms; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Richard Hoftiezer.

More about Patricia can be read here:

https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/pat-simms-longtime-wisconsin-state-journal-reporter-dead-at-75/article_0e1e0f6c-5679-5391-bfff-348a1ff2d867.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share.

A celebration of Patricia's life will be held in July with more information to come at a later date.

Her family would like to thank everyone who helped Patricia and her family over the last few months.

Her children have created a scholarship fund in her name for those with a passion to study journalism. Please send any donations to the M. Patricia Simms Journalism Scholarship Fund, c/o Meanwell Investment Group, 1 Erdman Place, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53717-2171. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002