Loretta Helen O'Pizzi Simms

Obituary for

Loretta Helen O’Pizzi Simms

September 4, 1923 to July 18, 2015

Loretta “Lori” Simms passed away from natural causes, with family by her side, on Saturday, July 18 at her residence in Sherman Oaks, California.

Lori was born in Chicago, Illinois to Paul Thomas O’Pizzi and Estella Kinzie O’Pizzi on September 4, 1923. Her 7-year old brother, Paul Thomas, Jr., also welcomed her birth. Lori attended high school at St. Scholastica Academy in Evanston, Illinois and then attended Gulf Park College for Women in Gulfport, Mississippi, graduating in 1944.

Her brother, Paul, introduced her to her future husband, Arthur Joseph Simms, and their wedding took place in Chicago on November 11, 1944. Daughter, Barbara, and son, Thomas, were born in Chicago before Lori and Arthur J. moved west to Los Angeles in 1948. It was there that sons, Scott and Gregory were born.

Lori’s family was the most fulfilling priority throughout her life. She was very active in her parish church, St. Paul the Apostle, which was also where her children attended elementary school. Her Catholic faith, which gave her much comfort and encouragement, was a mainstay of her life. She participated in clubs and organizations that supported her family’s activities. The number of sporting events that she attended for both her children and grandchildren is beyond calculation. She was the ultimate cheerleader.

As her family grew, she played a contributing role in her grandchildren’s education. She continually encouraged and supported their dreams and accomplishments. One of her greatest joys was to bring the whole family together for holidays and special celebrations, a tradition that will continue in her honor.

Her husband, Arthur J., preceded Lori in death in 2000. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Glenn) Glass and her three sons, Thomas (Maggie) Simms, Scott (Rochelle) Simms and Gregory (Kathy) Simms; eleven grandchildren, Stacey (Bill) Mapes, Christopher (Michele) Turton, Christopher (Keri) Simms, Thomas Michael (Sonia) Simms, Jr., Charise (Ryan) Weller, Sarah (Kelly) Hendrix, Rebecca Simms, Matthew Simms, Justin Warren, Whitney (Edward) Morris and Jonathan Simms; fourteen great-grandchildren, Alison (Seth) Dorsey, Andrew Mapes, Michael Turton, Mallory Turton, Mollie Simms, Siena Simms, Haylan Simms, Olivia Simms, Roxanne Simms, Nadia Simms, Audrey Weller, Eva Weller, Sophia Weller and Charlotte Weller; and one great-great-grandson Lucas Dorsey.

A family service is planned for September 4 in celebration of her life. If you wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #29, Los Angeles, CA 90027.