Karen Marie Simmons

February 1, 1939 - February 1, 2026

Born Karen Maria Christensen to Danish immigrants Othilde and Christensen Larsen Christensen she joined a sister nine years her senior, Mary Catherine Christensen (Swayne).

in Upper Darby Pennsylvania. In 1946 the family relocated to Ocean City, New Jersey She had what she described as an idyllic childhood on the seashore and eventually working summers on the boardwalk. She graduated from Ocean City High School with the class of 1956. From 1956-1957 she traveled with her mother abroad spending most of their time in Denmark.

Upon her return home she and her friend, Lois, attended hotel training school in Washington, D. C. Karen was hired at a hotel that housed military airmen. That is where she met Sgt. James Simmons in the early spring of 1958. They married six weeks later on April 19, 1958.

On March 27th, 1959, they welcomed James Frederick Simmons II in Arlington, Virginia and on May 24th 1961, their daughter Susan Marie Simmons (Christensen) was born in Sacramento California.

For sixteen years Karen enjoyed being a Air Force wife. Traveling from base to base she eagerly welcomed each new place they were stationed. Seven years in Germany allowed travel to visit family in Denmark.As a volunteer, Karen was active in Family Services and Girl and Boy Scouts during this time.

In 1974, Jim retired from the Air Force and the family relocated to Hesperia where Jim’s family lived. Karen enjoyed being a grandmother and continued to volunteer. Serving in several board positions at the Hesperia Leisure League, she was active in the Maverick’s Booster Club and volunteered at Juniper School for five years.

Karen’s legacy includes a son James Simmons (preceded in death) and daughter Susan, grandchildren, Gerald Glaza, Noah Glaza, Ruby Magana, Christopher Simmons, Michael Leon, Christina Leon and preceded in death, Jason Glaza and many great and great great grandchildren.