Elizabeth “Betsy” M. (Mitchell) Simmonds, 89, of Whitinsville, Mass., formerly of Friendship and Rockland, passed away on Nov. 12 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after an illness.
Born in Cambridge, Mass. on June 8, 1923, she was the daughter of Norman J. and Hylda (Haynie) Mitchell and lived in Whitinsville, Mass. the past two years, previously living in the Newton and Natick area for over 35 years. She also lived in Friendship and Rockland for 27 years.
Mrs. Simmonds worked as an assistant treasurer for the Town of Wayland for 15 years; previously she had worked at the Newton Waltham Bank and Trust Co. for many years. She retired in 1983.
She was a graduate of Newton High School, class of 1942 where she was a noted athlete in gymnastics, swimming, and tennis. A very social person, she had a wonderful sense of humor. She spent her entire life vacationing in Maine and was able to retire there with her husband. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Friendship, where she served as their treasurer. She also belonged to the Trinity church in Newton.
She was a member of the Martin’s Point Association in Maine and volunteered at the Penobscot Bay Hospital. She was a member of the Northbridge Seniors and loved to play bridge. She also enjoyed gardening, cocktail parties, and spending time with her family. She served briefly in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Earl H. Simmonds, on Sept. 27, 2009; and sister, Anne Terra.
She is survived by son, Norman E. Simmonds of Douglas, Mass.; daughter, Susan E. Lewis of Whitinsville, Mass.; grandchildren, Deborah, Kaitlyn, Amanda, and Joshua; great-grandchildren, Keith, Sam, Drew, Kenny, and Nikole; a great-great-grandson on the way; sister, Mary-Hylda “Mickey” Schwarz of Hockessin, Del.; several nephews, nieces; and many good friends.
Memorial service 12 p.m., Fri., Nov. 30 at the Friendship United Methodist Church, 24 Main St., Friendship with the Rev. Robert Dorr officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at the Village Cemetery in Friendship.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., #4 Watertown, MA 02172 in memory of Elizabeth’s husband, Earl Simmonds, who fought with this disease; and Friendship United Methodist Church, 24 Main St., Friendship, ME 04547.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
