Mary Simmons

Mary R. Simmons, (formerly Shipley) 81, of Zion and Waukegan, died on Sunday, June 14, 2009, at the Pavilion of Waukegan Nursing Home. Mary was born March 28, 1928, in Tremont, MS, and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 18 years at the former Crown Manor Nursing Home in Zion. Before that, she was employed as a private duty nurse in the North Shore area. Mary's greatest gift to the world was the ability to make anything grow, whether it be flowers to decorate the world, or vegetables to feed it. She loved gardening more than anything. Survivors include three daughters, Jackie Cooper of Franklin County, IL, Linda Elliott of Caseyville, IL, and Sharon (Bruce) Osterberg of Spring Grove, IL; grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth, John, Sharon, Jeff, Robert, Sara, and Katie; 11 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and nephew, Jim Powell of CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Simmons in 1997; sister, Virginia Powell in 1993; and brother, Michael Keith in 2005. A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2009, from 5:00-8:00 p.m at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. Interment is private for the family.