Mary Jane Simmons

She graduated from Sacred Heart school in Mt. Pleasant. Mary Jane married the love of her life, John Alexander Simmons on her 22nd birthday: October 13, 1956. John always joked that he wanted to get married on a date he’d never forget! Together they spent over 50 years by each other’s side.

Before she met John, Mary Jane was working as an x-ray technician at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. For most of her life though, she was a teacher’s aide at several schools in the area, filling in wherever she was needed most. She loved being around children and they loved having her caring presence around.

John and Mary Jane were snowbirds, frequently spending their winters on Marco Island, FL soaking up the sunshine, combing the beaches for shells, and enjoying a cocktail. They traveled around the United States visiting family and friends in Las Vegas, Puget Sound, and many parts of Florida.

Mary Jane was an excellent cook. She loved to bake Christmas cookies and make Easter eggs with her grandchildren. Around the holidays, she always made sure no one was left alone, inviting anyone without a companion to spend the holidays with her family. Mary Jane had such a big heart and had lots of love to give. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary Jane is survived by her children Lisa (John) Lucchese, Julie (Jack) Slattery, and John (Lori) Simmons; grandchildren Matthew Remelts, Ronald Remelts, Steven Simmons, and Nicole Giszewski; 14 great grandchildren as well as 2 great-great grandchildren; sister Virginia Beck; brothers Bill Prior and Mike Prior, and her special friend Sally Remelts. She was preceded in death by her husband John; grandson John Louis Simmons; and her parents.

Memorial mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church with visiting one hour prior. Mary Jane will be laid to rest next to her husband at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Mary Jane’s name may be made to Faith Hospice.