July 22, 2009
Simonds, Hedwig Mary
Mary “Hedwig” (Szablinska) Simonds, a 8 year resident of Phoenix, AZ, and formerly of Dedham for 45 years, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 21st. She was born in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of the late Michael and Stafania (Wasileska) Szablinska. In 1938 Mary married Harry J. Simonds. They were married for 52 years before his death in 1990. She worked as a waitress and hostess for over 33 years at Topsy/Fontaines Restaurant in West Roxbury, retiring in 1981. Mary was a 5 star mother, having all 5 of her sons in the military and a member of the Jacob Jones VFW Auxiliary Post 2017 in Dedham. She was an avid candlepin bowler who received many trophies. She loved to travel and her trips brought her to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Florida and beyond. Mary especially loved her Boston Red Sox!
She is survived by her children Richard W. and his wife Judy of Wrentham, Robert J. and his wife Claire of Dedham, Joseph A. and his wife Linda of Portsmouth, VA, Edward H. and his wife Hannelore of Mashpee, William F. and his wife Mary Ann of Mansfield, and Mary L. Simonds of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren, with 2 more expected. She was the sister of the late Victor and William Szablinski, the late Anthony and Joseph Novicki, the late Jean (Szablinska) Bourassa, the late Helen (Novicki) Laverdiere, and the late Stella (Sazblinska) Butler. Visiting hours will be held Monday, July 27th from 5-8 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Relatives and friends will gather at the funeral home Tuesday morning at 8 am and proceed to St. Mary’s Church, 420 High Street, Dedham for her Mass of Christian Burial at 9 o clock. Interment will follow in Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham. In lieu of flowers donations to the Jimmy Fund, c/o the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Boston, MA 02445 would be appreciated.
Comments(13)
Aunt Mary was for me a part of my life that will never be forgotten and always charished. We were not super close due to time and distance, however, knowing her and loving her, as she has always me, has made me appreiciate life and family. Thanks Aunt Mary…Love you and will miss you. Stevie. PS: Say high to MOM , Miss her too.
Too many times it seems we take for granted the ones we love. We wait for birthdays or holidays or some other occasion to say I love you or thank you. We let life carry us away on a never ending road filled with responsibilities of a day-to-day existence. In our lives we often forget that there is more along the way than just bills to pay and errands to run families to raise. There are people in our lives that need to be hugged and need to be loved,share accomplishments and milestones with. I forgot to remember how fragile hearts can be,how quickly a soul can grow old and how fast a spirit can become weary.Forgive me for forgetting that Nana. As you read these words you will know Nana. Even when the road of life was a little too curvy and the miles little too long we were always connected at the heart I love you and will always hold a precious place in my heart for all the smiles and memories you’ve given me.I will remember your generous soul and beautiful spirit. The world should be blessed with a million more Nanas just like you. You have given me me so much to look forward to becoming a Grandmother and so much to look back upon being your Grandaughter Pammy Jean.
Hi Ma,miss you already.Richie & I will always remember the great visits we shared in Falmouth and all the Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners we had with so many family members present over the years.We could always count on you for a good laugh & great memories.I will keep your “special Chair” empty for you at our next cookout.Thank you for your warm welcome into your family and the careing things you have done for me. I will always remember and love you.Say “HI” to Bud for us & tell him we miss him.even though you could not respond,Richie knows you heard him send his love to you at each phone call.Glad you are at peace.
Mrs. Simonds was one of my best friends mom. Mary her daughter. I was very fond of Mrs. Simonds, as she was the kindest and loveliest lady I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. God Speed and may you be in the arms of your wonderful husband and family who have gone before you. You will always be missed. Blessed are we who have the joy of knowing such a wonderful woman.
Grandma,
How I remember when I was younger and we would do dishes together and laugh. Setting the table was a task for me but you made it fun. When Mary was teaching me the piano you would come in and ask when are you going to get better I said when you come in and tell me I am. Low and behold one day you told me I was good. I remember sitting on the bed with you and grandpa was sitting in his famous chair. You asked me what I wanted to be in life and I said a grandma like you. Well I’m not there yet but I am a great Mom that i’m told. I also remember you reading to me not sure what book it was.HaHa. Yeh i was young ok. You and I have gone through alot in life. We had lots to talk about I still remember our last talk it was about life which you had lots of, I will miss you deeply and my heart aches my tears have falling. Let me just write to you. I can’t ask for a better Grandma that took me in and made me hers with the years you have given and the love you have shown I will never forget you. My dear Grandma. I wish we had more time but God needed you more you have a reason and place above and I know you will be watching over all of us and for this I feel safe that you will be taking care of us as a Angel of Gods, I promise to not travel to fast so you can keep up because if you are my Angel I would love to have you aboard. I love you very much.
Love your grandaughter
TinaMarie Stephens/Morse
Richard Thomas Stephens
Eric Thomas Stephens
Scott Henry Stehens
The Simonds family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
I have known Mrs. Simonds for over 20 years, the same amount of time I’ve known my dear friend Mary (her daughter). Mrs. Simonds was always funny and kind whenever I spoke with her. Mrs. Simonds,
you will be missed by everyone who loved and knew you.
A message to Mary her devoted daughter,
Mary you have been the best daughter and caretaker of your beloved Mother. No one in the world could have taken care of your Mother better, then the way you did in the final years of her life.
I hope everyone in the Simonds Family are forever Grateful and Thankful to Mary. And not just by words but through deeds.
God Bless Mrs. Simonds and Mary Simonds
My condolences to all of Mary’s Family and Friends. You are in my prayers.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mary Simonds. God Bless you all
There is a special place in my heart for you, Aunt Mary. You will be missed. Say Hi to Dad and Rich. Mom (Lillian) loves and misses you, also. Our thoughts and prayers are with all.
MAMA SIMONDS, THERE ARE SOOOO MANY THINGS I COULD SAY ABOUT YOU. YOU MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS FAMILY, APPARENTLY RIGHT FROM THE START. WE HAD A LOT OF FIGHTS, A LOT OF DISAGREEMENTS, AND A LOT OF LOVE. I TOLD YOU FROM THE BEGINNING THAT I WAS HERE TO STAY AND I AM GLAD THAT I DID!!!! YOU MADE ME FEEL SPECIAL. THERE WERE JUST THOSE MOMENTS WHEN I KNEW WITH OUT YOU SAYING THAT YOU LOVED ME. YOU MADE MY KIDS FEEL SPECIAL. THEY REMEMBER THE FIRST CHRISTMAS THAT THEY SPENT WITH YOU AND THE PRESENTS YOU GAVE THEM. THEY MEANT SO MUCH TO THREE KIDS WHO HAD TRAVELLED THREE THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM THEIR OWN GRANDPARENTS. I KNOW THAT WE WILL ALL MISS YOU, BUT I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE FINALLY HOME WITH PAPA SIMONDS. I LOVE YOU AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU!!!!!!! ‘WATCH OVER THE FAMILY, THEY STILL NEED YOU. LOVE YOU ALWAYS, JANET (THE EXTRA DAUGHTER)
RIP Gramma….
Gramma …I am proud to be one of your many grandsons….I’ll never forget all our great discussions we had had while living in Mashpee . I think I am the only Grandchild that actually lived with you to hear some humorous Simonds stories. For all that I am grateful. All those sox games we watched …..you certainly knew that stats better than I!
All the trips to the hairdressers , the doctors , the supermarket was all well spent time with you.
You will be missed….. R I P Gramma & Grampy
My condolences to the whole family for the loss of your mother. My family lived next door in Riverdale. Mr. and Mr. Simonds were both very nice people.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.