Katherine Simmons

Kathy is survived by her children Nancy Burke (Dennis), Mark Simmons (Tracey), and Lauren Simmons (Judah Epstein). She was also the loving grandmother (“Yia Yia”), of Alexa Burke, Garrett Burke, and David Burke, and Casey Simmons. She is also survived by her nephews Charles Ducas (Valerie) and Christopher Ducas (Tisha) and niece Maryellen Kurkulos.

She was born in Mytilene, Greece, to Charles and Anna Ducas. Along with her brother, George, the family survived the German occupation of Greece during World War II. Shortly after the War, they moved to the United States, settling in Watertown, Massachusetts. Kathy went on to college at Boston University.

Kathy met Bill, who was at Babson College, at a dance. They dated and the couple married in 1955. They moved to Arlington and then Alexandria as Bill worked for the federal government (Securities and Exchange Commission) for more than 35 years.

Bill and Kathy were instrumental in the founding of St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia in the 1960s and remained active for many years.

Mrs. Simmons worked as a teaching instructor in the Alexandria City Schools, teaching at Jefferson-Houston Elementary, Francis C. Hammond Secondary, and James Polk Elementary.

Known for her impeccable style, Kathy loved traveling, dining out, attending Greek dances, and bowling with friends. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A special thank you goes out to her caregivers, Jannet Gubatan and Linda Narantes, who tended to Kathy during her final years in her battle with Parkinson’s. They were a godsend.

Services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.