IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Helen Agnes
Simmons
April 18, 1926 – February 13, 2018
Obituary
Helen Agnes Simmons
April 18, 1926 – February 13, 2018
Helen was the only child of Vasil Konstantine Vasileff, born in St Petersburg, Russia and Josephine Rozmus Born in South East Poland.Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Helen learned to speak both Russian and Polish before she spoke English.She was very proud of her heritage and wove Russian and Polish traditions into every family gathering.We have fond memories of perogies, kapusta, kielbasa, borscht and other traditional foods.She was the unbeatable champion of the Easter "egg" game, a tradition from her childhood that will continue as a family tradition at our holiday gatherings.
Helen graduated college with a Bachelor of Science degree, obtaining both teaching and registered nurse (RN) credentials.She married Gene Simmons on April 18, 1949.Together they developed and operated their own childcare and education business for nearly 60 years.Several of their students were third generation alumni of Simmons Schools and Buccaneer Club – a testimony to the dedication our parents had towards creating the best possible memoires for their students.
In addition to running the Simmons School business, she was very involved with the Polish Women's Alliance eventually becoming their National Director.Our mother had a huge heart and gave generously to the Audubon Society, the Wild Life Conservation Association, the Humane Society, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, along with other human and animal rights causes.
Mom slipped away peacefully while we were with her on February 13, 2018.Her smile never faded even though she had been struggling with the effects of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) for more than a decade.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Gene (2011) and is survived by her daughter Adele Simmons, her daughter Elaine (Gary) Simler; her grandchildren Dennis Pappenfus (fiancée Shoshana Luria), Abby (Chris) Ramsey, Todd (Veronica) Pappenfus, Jason Simler, Brian Simler; her great-grandchildren Skyler Simler, Kaylee Simler, Audrey Pappenfus, Sydney Pappenfus, and Quinn Ramsey.
She has been our inspiration and we will miss her every day.
As an alternative to flowers, our Mother would be touched by donations to a charity for children or animals of your choice. Two of her favorites were:
Children Incorporated: https://childrenincorporated.org/donate/
Alley Cat Allies: https://www.alleycat.org/more-ways-to-give/
Please join us in remembering Helen. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.
April 18, 1926 – February 13, 2018
Helen was the only child of Vasil Konstantine Vasileff, born in St Petersburg, Russia and Josephine Rozmus Born in South East Poland.Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Helen learned to speak both Russian and Polish before she spoke English.She was very proud of her heritage and wove Russian and Polish traditions into every family gathering.We have fond memories of perogies, kapusta, kielbasa, borscht and other traditional foods.She was the unbeatable champion of the Easter "egg" game, a tradition from her childhood that will continue as a family tradition at our holiday gatherings.
Helen graduated college with a Bachelor of Science degree, obtaining both teaching and registered nurse (RN) credentials.She married Gene Simmons on April 18, 1949.Together they developed and operated their own childcare and education business for nearly 60 years.Several of their students were third generation alumni of Simmons Schools and Buccaneer Club – a testimony to the dedication our parents had towards creating the best possible memoires for their students.
In addition to running the Simmons School business, she was very involved with the Polish Women's Alliance eventually becoming their National Director.Our mother had a huge heart and gave generously to the Audubon Society, the Wild Life Conservation Association, the Humane Society, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, along with other human and animal rights causes.
Mom slipped away peacefully while we were with her on February 13, 2018.Her smile never faded even though she had been struggling with the effects of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) for more than a decade.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Gene (2011) and is survived by her daughter Adele Simmons, her daughter Elaine (Gary) Simler; her grandchildren Dennis Pappenfus (fiancée Shoshana Luria), Abby (Chris) Ramsey, Todd (Veronica) Pappenfus, Jason Simler, Brian Simler; her great-grandchildren Skyler Simler, Kaylee Simler, Audrey Pappenfus, Sydney Pappenfus, and Quinn Ramsey.
She has been our inspiration and we will miss her every day.
As an alternative to flowers, our Mother would be touched by donations to a charity for children or animals of your choice. Two of her favorites were:
Children Incorporated: https://childrenincorporated.org/donate/
Alley Cat Allies: https://www.alleycat.org/more-ways-to-give/
Please join us in remembering Helen. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Agnes Simmons, please visit our flower store.
Services
Graveside Service
April
18
Miramar National Cemetery
Starts at 2:30 pm
Helen Agnes Simmons's Guestbook
Visits: 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors