Vičnaja pamjat’ — Eternal Memory
Carol Simmons, 93, of Brecksville OH, passed away in her sleep on May 1, 2023, from complications after a fall.
Gracious, kind, smart and giving, Carol lifted the lives of people around her throughout her life. She was brave and determined and fought through trials with quiet grace. She felt things deeply and gave of herself unconditionally, helping care for many family members and friends in sickness and need.
Carol was born on January 17, 1930, to Slovak/Ukrainian immigrants Anne and Mike Nedwich in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in a close-knit neighborhood full of Slavic families and churches. At nine years old, she announced that she would be called “Carol” because she disliked her birth name Caroline, showing her independent streak from early on. She spent many summers in rural Pennsylvania with her grandparents and extended family.
At 14, Carol met her future husband, Jack Simmons, and never had another boyfriend. They were married in 1952 and built a family, a business, and a wide and enduring circle of friends. She later worked in real estate, often focusing on first-time buyers. After Jack’s death in 1989, she remained independent, ultimately retiring to tend her garden, bake scones by the dozens, and accompany the family on vacations here and abroad.
At 88 Carol started fresh by moving to assisted living, where she made a new circle of friends and took on the role of welcome ambassador for new residents.
Carol was an artist in paint, ceramic and other media. She drew and drafted and designed the house where she raised her family. She had a fine eye for art and had a deep appreciation for literature and music. She was a gardener, cook, dress maker, party planner and so many other things, always exploring where her muse and mind would take her.
She will be forever missed by her three sons Curt, Gary and Rick, their spouses and children and adopted families.
The family hopes that friends will join in a celebration and memorial, as this was Carol’s wish. We’ll share stories, music, food, photos and remembrances in the company of family and friends young and old. Location and a date in the near future to be announced.
For those so moved, visitation will be at Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 W. Aurora Road, Sagamore Hills OH on Friday, May 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be at St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church, 8111 Brecksville Road, Brecksville OH on Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland in a private ceremony.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Red Cross.
