Sharon "Sherry" Ann Simms

Sherry was born Sharon Ann Arnold in 1944 to parents John Arnold and Bernadette (Horan) Arnold. She was an only child and an exceptional student. Shortly after graduating High School she met Richard Simms at the resort where her parents worked, and they began dating. Just before her 20th birthday they got married and began their 63-year marriage.

Sherry really wanted a family, but they were unable to conceive, so they turned to Catholic Charities, eventually adopting 3 children. Family was very important to both of them, and so they often saved whatever money they could to take the family camping or on vacations.

Sherry put herself through college so that she could become a teacher, and her longest teaching stint was at Holy Family Catholic School in Auburn. She really enjoyed the students, and especially enjoyed the years that she taught Science. She often said that she was a good Science teacher because it didn't come naturally to her, so she had to learn it alongside her students. Sherry managed to obtain two Masters Degrees, her second being a Masters in Theology that she finished in her 70's!

Sherry loved gardening, and anybody that knew her knew that she would be completely happy spending hours every day in her garden. Her biggest challenge was to create a garden at their Arizona home, as she was unfamiliar with desert plants, but of course she persevered and ended up with the most beautiful garden in the neighborhood. People walking by the house would often remark on the beautiful cacti that she had in her front garden, and she attended desert garden classes as often as she could.

We prefer not to dwell on all of the medical events that plagued Sherry over the years - suffice it to say that she was the ultimate fighter, and the bravest person we know. We were honored to call her Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Cousin, Godmother, and Friend, and we will miss her terribly.