Catherine E Simmonds

Catherine Elizabeth Green Simmonds was born on January 15, 1928, in Mashpee, Massachusetts to Laurie Green and Mary Ellen Peters Green, as the sixth of their eight children. She was a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Native American Tribe. She attended the Samuel G. Davis Elementary School in Mashpee, and graduated from Lawrence High School in Falmouth, Massachusetts. 

A few years after high school she moved to Boston to accept a job at the Whitmore Bible Book Store, where she worked until she married Mr. John Astor Simmonds, Sr. on June 25, 1949, in a beautiful ceremony at Mashpee Baptist Church. They were blessed with four exceptional children: Charlotte Alethea, John Astor, Susan Christina, and Dennis Raymond. 

For many years, Mrs. Catherine Simmonds was a stay-at-home mom, devoting her time and efforts to her children and family. After her children were nearly grown, she found her way into downtown Boston retail sales, where she was happily employed at Lerner’s, Gilchrist’s, and later Jordan Marsh Department stores. 

A few years after she retired, Catherine longed to be closer to her siblings, family, and friends in her beloved Mashpee and thus moved to a lovely home there, where she lived out her final years quite contented, further enjoying her hobbies of gardening, baking, and hosting her extended family and friends on numerous delightful occasions.  She also enjoyed reconnecting with the Wampanoag Community while attending tribal events and activities. 

Our mother was always cheerful, happy, and loving. Her parenting style was firm but pleasant and supportive. Her children wanted to please her and make her proud—which they did. She rarely uttered a cross word, but clearly communicated her desires.  

Catherine Elizabeth Green Simmonds was the ultimate housewife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She took great pride and joy in raising her children and ensuring that they had a happy, nurturing home.  She continued that loving support of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who now reflect that nurturing with a solid foundation and strong family bonds. They are all truly blessed! 

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Laurie Calvin, Gordon Lincoln, Charles Milton, Frank Mason, and George Frederick; two sisters Abigail Evelyn and Sarah Georgianna; as well as an awesome, courageous, much-loved grandson, Dennis Oliver Simmonds (“DJ”). 

Catherine Elizabeth Green Simmonds passed away peacefully, as she had lived, in her sleep. She leaves to cherish her life two daughters and their spouses: Charlotte Simmonds-Hammons and George Hammons, Susan Simmonds-Jennings and Phillip Jennings; two sons, John Astor Simmonds, Jr. and his partner Natalie Franco, Dennis Raymond Simmonds and his wife Roxanne Grant Simmonds; grandchildren, Damali Simmonds, Jarvis Hammons, Shayna Simmonds-Jones, Catherine Hammons, Nicole Simmonds-Jordan, John Tyrus Simmonds, and Bomani Simmonds-Jennings, seven great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Helaine Alethea Simmonds, and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

We will always remember and celebrate her happy well-lived life! 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support
the Phyllis Jen Center. Memorial gifts can be made online at
www.bwhgiving.org or checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women's
Hospital with “in memory of  Catherine Simmonds” in the memo line and
sent to: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Development Office, 116
Huntington Ave., 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02116.