Mary Simmons, 87

May 17, 2025

After a long, rich, and impactful life, Mary Simmons, formerly of Strasburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17 at the age of 87 at Oak Leaf Manor South in Millersville. The daughter of Roger and Blanch Tilton, she was born and grew up in Franklin, New Hampshire. She was married for forty-two years to Frederick Simmons, now deceased, and had four children – Bruce Simmons (wife Hawa), Michael Simmons (wife AJ), Tracey Shaubach (husband Dale), and Bess Simmons – four grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Mary was truly a light on this earth, always approaching life from a perspective of humility, generosity, and abundance and she was beloved by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She greeted everyone with empathy and interest. She always found something to compliment you on, and when you were in front of her you were the most important person on earth. No one ever came away from an interaction with her without feeling better about themselves.

Throughout her life, Mary embodied the qualities we aspire to. She was brilliant, reliable, determined, engaging, generous, talented, humble, calm, and friendly. Even as age and disease diminished her, she maintained her essence, impacting those she met until the end.
She was the mother that everyone wants – unconditionally loving, nurturing and kind, smart and fun, a tireless advocate and a second mother to all her children’s friends. Her house was always open to friends, acquaintances, and sometimes virtual strangers. She was a great cook who always was happy to have extra people for dinner and holidays.

After raising her children, she created a successful 25-year career, retiring as Member Service Coordinator for MediGuard Insurance Company (later Blue Cross Blue Shield). She was a fantastic baker and cake decorator, providing a generation of locals in Strasburg with birthday and wedding cakes.

She will be profoundly missed, but she will surely remain with all of us who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584, on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at https://alzfdn.org/.