Gertrude Maria Simms

On December 2, 2017, Gertrude Maria Simms, 82, surrounded by her children, was received into the loving arms of The Lord. Gertrude Maria Behr was born on April 21, 1935 in the village of Thaleischweiler, Germany. At 19, seeking a better life, she sailed to America and lived with her aunt and uncle in Miami. She worked in a shoe factory while attending night school to learn English. In 1957, she married James W. Simms with whom she raised 4 children. Singing in the church choir provided a spiritual and social outlet. As if life wasn't hectic enough, Trudy went back to school and, at the age of 40, graduated nursing school. She worked the night-shift in the ICU because it allowed her more time to care for her family. It was hard, but rewarding, work. She valued the friendships she cultivated there. A talented seamstress, she made most of her children's clothes, crafted sturdy, creative Halloween costumes, heirloom wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses. She even gifted each of her children and grandchildren with a hand-made crocheted afghan blanket which are now priceless treasures to us all. She was very proud of the fact that all of her children graduated from college and that she was able to support herself and save for retirement. She will be remembered for her bright smile, her encouraging words, her ability to rise to the occasion, her practical nature and how she stayed connected to her loved ones. She loved cats, the color purple, leopard print, a little sparkle and a smooth Manhattan. She leaves behind her children: Elizabeth (Matt) of Nokomis, FL; Barbara (James) of Reno, NV; Jennifer (Rick) of Urbandale, IA and James (Lisa) of Cumming, GA; her sisters: Ilse, Agnes, Hildegard, Christa; her brother Seppel, her 11 grandchildren: Lindsay (Jordan), Justin, Jenn, Chris, Kimberly, Stephanie, Zach, Matt, Kelsey, Joey, Steven; 2 great-grandsons: Julius & Edwin; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Pembroke Pines. A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. at Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes followed by a celebration of life at Bonaventure Country Club in Weston. Donations may be made to any of her favorite charities: Faith Farm, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.