Ann I. Simmers

Ann I. Simmers, age 78, of New Philadelphia, passed away suddenly in her home early Friday morning. Born October 29, 1932, at Dover, she was a daughter of the late Vincent Marion Coniglio, Sr. and Anna Butera Coniglio.She was baptized and confirmed in St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a 1950 graduate of St. Joseph High School. As a young lady, Ann attended dances and events at the former Tuscora Park Skate Rink where she met and ultimately fell in love with Homer Simmers. The couple wed June 1, 1957, and spent forty-seven years together prior to his passing on March 2, 2005. Ann began working, as a young lady, for the former Robinson Clay Company, and later demonstrated her ability to make people smile while working in the jewelry department for the former New Phila Hart’s Store. In 1981, she went to work as an aide with Starlight Enterprises � helping the developmentally disabled achieve success in their work. She retired in 1998 from Starlight but was always proud of the special friendships she had developed there. She’ll be remembered for her fast paced life. Family and friends joke that her visitation Monday afternoon will be the first time Ann will be in the same place for such a long period of time. Her memberships included Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Tuscarawas County Italian American Festival Committee, the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 1445 at New Philadelphia, and the New Philadelphia Lady Elks. Ann was also a familiar face at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center where she enjoyed the company of friends, eating lunch and playing cards. Survivors include her three sons and a daughter, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; Gregory (Tina) Simmers of Midvale, and their son Ryan Simmers; Timothy (Penny) Simmers of Dover and their son and daughter Adam of Grand Forks, ND, and Mandy (Matt) Boyles and their daughter Kaylee, all of Heidelberg, Germany; Ron “Rabbit” Simmers and his companion Linda Bradley of Scio and his son and two daughters, Tony Simmers of Dover, Lauren Marie Simmers of New Philadelphia, and Alexandria Summers of Scio; and Julie Simmers of New Philadelphia and her son, Christopher (fianc�e, Elissa Sinkovich) Barr, and his daughter and son, Isabella Ann and Bradley Barr, all of New Philadelphia. Three sisters in law, Romaine Coniglio of New Philadelphia, June Miller of Chicago, IL, and Joyce Simmers of Tucson, AZ, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who complete the family. In addition to her parents and husband, Ann is preceded in death by her two brothers, Vincent Marion Coniglio Jr., and Anthony “Tony” Coniglio. Friends are invited to call Monday afternoon from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory where Christian Wake Services will commence at 6:40. Fr. Jeff Coning will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday morning at 10 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with interment to follow, alongside her husband in Evergreen Burial Park. A reception will follow in the Geib Family Center adjacent to the funeral home. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, 425 Prospect Street, Dover, OH 44622.