Simmons, Robert H.
Robert H. (Bob) Simmons, 83, passed away on February 10, 2021. He was the son of the late Edward M. and Dorothy (Smith) Simmons, and a lifelong resident of Rocky Hill, CT. Bob was a graduate of the University of Maine, and served 6 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard. In 1960, he joined his father at the Simmons Insurance Agency, which he subsequently bought in 1965. Bob successfully operated the business for nearly 35 years before retiring in 1999. Bob was also a director of 2 banks (Cromwell Savings Bank, and the Farmers and Mechanics Bank) for more than a decade. Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother, Edward M. Simmons, Jr. He is survived by his children, Heidi Simmons-Chouinard (husband Luc) of Beaconsfield, QC, Jeffrey Simmons (wife Sherri) of North Charleston, SC, and 5 grandchildren: Alex, Eric, and Julie Chouinard, and; Hayley and Matthew Simmons. He is also survived by his former sister-in-law, Judith Simmons, her children and grandchildren. Bob also leaves behind the love of his life and longtime partner, Beatrice Donahue, with whom he spent the last 23 years of his life. He and Bea had many common interests such as gardening, UCONN basketball, tag sales, and jazz concerts. They wintered in Florida for many years and then took up cruising in the Caribbean and on the Mississippi River. Bob loved all kinds of music from classical guitar to country to blues, and he and Bea became devoted fans of many local musicians.
Bob will be remembered by those who knew him for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. His grandchildren particularly enjoyed the numerous funny stories he told detailing his efforts to gently capture and relocate the many pesky squirrels that were feeding on his backyard birdfeeder and garden. Bob was also an avid reader, enjoying reading the newspaper daily as well as numerous books and magazines. He had a passion for learning about the world around him, enjoying walks in woods, and observing the activities of birds and other wildlife in his yard. He was known for taking road trips off the beaten path across Connecticut and other parts of the Northeast, exploring interesting sites and meeting new people. In recent years, Bob had faced declining health with courage, grace, and dignity. He will be greatly missed by his family and all those who had the good fortune to know him.
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, a celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Rocky Hill Congregational Church or a charity of your choice. Please share online expressions of sympathy, memories, or photo tributes at www.rosehillfuneralhomes.com.
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Alice passed away on January 24, 2021, by the warmth of the fireplace and in the loving care of her family. Alice was a true matriarch, loved and admired for her strength, independence, style, love for life, ageless appearance, sharp mind, and unmistakable laugh that would resonate throughout a room to let everyone know where the party was. Alice felt blessed for every day she was given on this earth, and while clamoring for more, she welcomed her last knowing it would bring a reunion, twenty-seven years in the making, with her one true love, Charlie.
A lifetime resident of Enfield, a child of the depression, an accomplished seamstress, a military wife working multiple jobs to support the troops and her family during WWII, a homebuilder, a devoted 40-year employee at Hallmark Cards, a college graduate (at age 65), and a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother not only to her children, but, to many friends, family, and neighbors who weren’t fortunate enough to be a descendant. After Charlie passed, Alice lived independently in the house they designed until her 98th birthday. Without her daughter Alicia’s love, kindness, patience, and lasting companionship, Alice would never have been able to preserve her independence. Daily calls from her son, Carl and daughter Marcia, would lift her spirits.
Alice’s nephew, David White, visited every week to offer a hand, but, usually to spend hours talking about everything. Peter, her neighbor, was available at any hour to fix anything. Peter White, was her favorite Doctor, who was always willing to speak with Alice and the family about medical issues at any hour, lightening her fears and calming her worry. And, of course, Alice was always surrounded with so many friends and family who came with endless love and support. A very special thanks to Irena Cizauskiene who provided 24-hour care for Alice for many months. Alice spent the last three months of her life in Washington, New Hampshire, cared for by her daughter Marcia and granddaughter, Melissa Anwar.
Born to Stefania Siakala and Peter Szczepanek of Thompsonville, Alice leaves behind her children: Carl Wiezalis and wife Shelia, of Syracuse, NY, Alicia Baver, of South Windsor, CT, and Marcia Leizure and husband Larry of Washington, NH; Alice was also blessed with 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
There will be a mass and burial and a celebration of life later in the year. In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation may be made to Bayada Foundation, 194 Pleasant St., Concord, NH, 03301 - Hospice Fund memory of Alice S. Wiezalis.
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