Gladys "Gerry" Geraldine Simmons

GLADYS GERALDINE SIMMONS (GERRY) was born to Dulin "Boss" and Susie Lynn in Orange, California on June 22, 1923. She passed away in Loma Linda on July 29, 2011. She was raised in San Bernardi no and graduated from San Bernardino High School. During World War II she worked in the Payroll De partment at Norton Air Force Base and later at Harris'. She married Dwane Simmons on May 3, 1947 and lived in Highland for 55 years. After the birth of their second child in 1952, Dwane was stricken with polio. This happened right after he was honorably dis charged from the Navy and right before the Salk vaccine was available to prevent this disease. Dwane was paralized from the chest down with limited arm movement. Gerry became his devoted caregiver for 46 years, kept up the house, and together they raised their two children. Dwane remained for the rest of his life confined to a wheelchair. He was able to resume his civil engineering career but Gerry had to transport him to work and back daily. She did all of this with love and care. Despite such a hard ship both Gerry and Dwane kept a positive outlook on life. Even though it was difficult at times they were able to enjoy their life, and with help from family members they enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, New Mexico, Arizo na, Neveda, Northern Cali fornia. They immensely en joyed the company of family and friends. They were ex tremely proud of thier four grandchildren who gave them much joy. A few years after her be loved husband passed away, Gerry moved into Heritage Gardens Retirement and As sisted Living Center. She loved living there and par ticipating in the activities; especially dominoes and bin go. Gerry will be missed by many. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Ricci Pelazini of Redlands, California; her son and daughter-in law, Keith and Chris Simmons of Pacific Grove, California; and grandchildren, Rico and Katie Pelazini of Boise, Ida ho, and Katharine, Christo pher and Claire Simmons of Pacific Grove. A special thank you to the many relatives and friends, and especially her friend, Elaine Weaver and her fam ily who have helped over the years and also to Lisa Leak and her wonderful staff at Heritage Gardens Retirement and Assisted Living Center where Gerry lived for the last five years. The staff treats the resi dents witn devotion and love. Charter Hospice is also much appreciated for their care and concern. Both should be commended for their dignified and respect ful treatment of the resi dents. Graveside services will be 10 A.M., Th., Aug. 4, 2011 at Mt. View Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Ave, San Bern dino, CA In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Para lyzed Veterans or any chari ty of the donor's choice. The Paralyzed Veteran's website is www.pva.org (Follow the prompt to donate in the memory of Gerry), phone number for donations is (800) 555-9140 and the do nation address is Paralyzed Veterans, 7 Mill Brook Rd., Wilton, NH 03086.

Gladys "Gerry" Geraldine Simmons

June 23, 1923 - July 29, 2011