Mary Ellen Simmons' Obituary
Mary Ellen Simmons, 88, of Kittanning, PA, passed away on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, after a short illness at ACMH Hospital in Kittanning.
Mary Ellen was born on October 29th, 1935, to Clifford and Marcella Eagleson in the Braddock borough of Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from high school in 1953, she married Samuel Howard Simmons, also of Pittsburgh.
After Sam’s death in 1964, Mary Ellen raised their two children, Marcella Irene Simmons and Clifford Charles Simmons, as a single mother. She began her career in Bedford, PA, at the Bob Foor Ford dealership and went on to Shaffer Chrysler. Upon moving back to Pittsburgh, she worked at Al Schwartz Pontiac and Subaru, rising to the position of office manager. She retired from the Boyle & Lane Cadillac dealership in 1997.
A long-time resident of Pittsburgh, Mary Ellen loved cheering on her hometown heroes, the Steelers and the Pirates. She also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with her best friend Mary Anne Schwartz, quilting, gardening, baking, bird watching, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Marcy and Cliff; Cliff’s wife, Marisa Simmons; five grandchildren, Kelly Peters, Colleen Houck, Sam Peters, Shannon Peters, and Whitney Lamb; Sam’s wife, Jenelle Peters, and Whitney’s husband, Bill Lamb; and four great-grandchildren, Kylie Fryer, Eleanor Peters, Bertha “Birdie” Peters, and Josephine “Joey” Lamb, with one more great-grandchild on the way.
A strong and loving woman, Mary Ellen was an inspiration and a joy for her family. Her love, care, and support were invaluable to us all. We treasure her memory and celebrate her life.
She will be interred beside her beloved husband, Sam, at Jefferson Memorial Park in Pittsburgh, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to veterans’ organizations, a cause close to Mary Ellen's heart.
To leave online condolences please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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