Mary Elizabeth Simonds

Mary Elizabeth Vogel Simonds was born in Saratoga Springs, New York on August 19, 1925 to Charles E. and Anna McGurk Vogel. She died peacefully on September 6, 2018 at the age of 93. She was the widow or Clarke Simonds.

Mary was an avid golfer, gardener, teacher and preservationist. In 1961 she painstakingly oversaw the restoration of an 18th century tenement house in Providence, RI. Her house at 50 Benefit Street became a popular attraction on city walking tours. Mary took great pride in her house and its garden.

Mary taught 5th grade at Moses Brown School in Providence for many years. She loved her job and her boys and often said those were the happiest days of her life.

She became involved with Community Preparatory School in Providence and was a huge advocate serving on their board of trustees.

Mary belonged to the Sakonnet Golf Club, The Hope Club, The Agawam Hunt Club and The Lyford Cay Club.

Mary was a devoted and loving grandmother. She will always be remembered by her family and friends for her wonderful sense of humor, her beauty and her unfailing kindness to others.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann, her son-in-law Roger Silverstein, grandchildren Will and Hope and her great- grandson Duncan.

Special thanks to Patty Avila, Angie, Sylvia and Rosie for the loving care they gave Mary.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Community Preparatory School, 135 Prairie Avenue Providence, RI 02905

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, September 17th at 11 am at St Matthew Church, 400 W Sunset Road, El Paso, TX.