PORTLAND—Jean C.R. Simmons 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 1, 2019, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough Maine after a short illness, surrounded by her family.
Born in Portland on November 25, 1935, to Benjamin C. Russo and A. Marjorie (Bailey) Russo. She attended Portland schools and graduated from Deering High School. On July 29, 1957, she married Robert A. Simmons, Sr and celebrated 50 years of marriage before his passing in August 2007. Jean worked as a chair side dental assistant, Post Office shoe repairer along with her husband Robert, Sebago Moc Shoe home stitcher of Westbrook, and retiring from Maine Medical Center Cafeteria as a night supervisor after 18 years. She was the owner of Simmco Corporation and Rickey’s Tavern.
Jean was a supporter of her three sons’ activities with Portland Little League, Pack 66, Boy Scout Troop 41, BSA supporter and an avid fan of baseball. Jean followed the Boston Red Sox, son Edward’s adult baseball games, and the Portland Seadogs, where she was a season ticket holder for the past 12 years. Jean attended and supported her granddaughters’, nieces’ and nephews’ many hobbies, sports, and school functions. She was a member of Portland’s St. Peter’s Episcopal Church all her life and served as a vestry member. She was also a member of the Italian Heritage Center.
Jean will always be remembered for a lifetime of generosity to family, friends and community. She will be missed by Tank, her Military Macaw.
She is pre-deceased by her parents, husband Robert Simmons, brother Anthony Russo, brother in law Peter W. Lamb, Sr. and daughter in law Rosemary Simmons. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Patricia Lamb of Portland. Her three sons, Robert A. Simmons, Jr. of Windham, Edward A. Simmons and his wife Beth of Buxton, Kevin B. Simmons of Portland and Caribou and his partner David Katz of Boston. Three grandchildren, Jessica Simmons of Gray, Samantha Simmons of Augusta, and Emily Simmons of Buxton. Jean also leaves several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend Linwood “Archie” Archambeau of Portland.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Friday, September 6, 2019, from 4 to 8 PM at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodfords St., Portland ME. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 678 Washington Ave. Portland ME with The Rev. Canon Lawrence Weeks and Rev. Mary Ann Hoy as celebrants. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank all the doctors and nursing staff of Mercy Hospital, Maine Medical Center of Portland and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of Scarborough.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 10 Alton Street, Portland Maine 04103. For further information and to send a tribute in memory of Jean please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.
