Tributes

Marilyn Louise Simmons With family at her side, Marilyn Louise Simmons passed away the morning of Saturday, the 12th, from sudden illness, at the age of 68. Marilyn was a writer, and wrote short stories from the heart about love, faith, longing and hope. Her stories were always entertaining, and showed the depth of her wisdom and humor. Marilyn never met a stranger and her gregarious nature, grace and wit left a lasting impression. She entertained with her puns or an unexpected play of words, and loved to sing. Perhaps it was the twinkle in her eye that will be remembered most. She was grounded in deep faith and felt tremendous compassion for all. Of equal merit to humans were the animals in her life, and dogs were her favorite. Late in life, Marilyn found true love and devotion through her fiancé, Jimmy. Her family is grateful that Marilyn introduced us to this wonderful person. As a traumatic brain injury survivor from an auto accident when she was eight, Marilyn was a passionate advocate for the disabled, urging people to grant them the same opportunities and respect as that given to those with less obvious challenges. Her courageous spirit overcame many setbacks and she never lost her desire to make those around her see the delight in the ordinary or the promise of the profound. She will remain in our hearts forever. She is preceded in heaven by her cherished grandparents; her loving Mother and Daddy, Jane and George W. Simmons, Jr.; and her dearest sister Barbara Woods-Snyder. Surviving family members include her beloved fiancé Jimmy; her devoted brother-in-law David Snyder; niece Karen Woods of San Diego; and nephew Scott Woods, his wife Stephanie, and great nephew and nieces, Walker, Whitney and Wren, of Southlake. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Marilyn and enhanced her years on this earth, including her friends at Woodbridge Estates, Visiting Angels, Mother Earth, and her church family at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church. Those interested in making a donation in Marilyns name may wish to consider The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA; The Moody Foundations Transitional Learning Center for brain injury survivors, in Galveston; or The American Lung Association. Visitation will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 2:00 pm, at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, 6739 Callaghan Road. Interment will follow at a later date, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Tributes

Marilyn Louise Simmons

March 19, 2011 - March 19, 2011