Theresa R. Simmons left this earth to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. She was born July 18, 1915, and was the beloved daughter of the late Vendel and Anna (Kamas) Bucko. Theresa was one of six children and a graduate of Ford City High School. She was a member of Eagles, Sokol, Zivena, and Christian mothers.
Imagine a person whose sole purpose in life was to love, cherish, nurture, and protect her family. She was there to raise five children. She could wipe away tears, bandage cuts, stay up all night when we were sick, comfort us when disappointments arose, and comfort when needed. She gave us encouragement through troubled times, and always gave us her shoulder to lean on. She provided a warm, safe loving home with where honesty and integrity, as well as family tradition were always practiced. She never complained. She would open her doors to anyone and feed an entire army if needed. Everyone was welcome in her home. She kept traditions going with some of the Slovak, Polish, and German foods she grew up with. She has passed those recipes down to her children and grandchildren. She could remember a recipe without needing to write it down. Her memory was with her till the end.
She loved to watch all sports, especially the Steelers and Penguins. She was proficient in gymnastics. She loved picking wild mushrooms. She loved the outdoors and was always ready to go for a ride whether it be to get apples in the fall, spotting deer, or just riding through the country. She never missed out on a trip to the mountains while spending her winters in Georgia with two of her children. She never missed a beat no matter how tired she was. She had a passion for life and never complained if she was hurting.
There will be a void in all our lives, but we know she is at peace with the Lord as well as her beloved husband, John “Smiley” Simmons.
Theresa is survived by a sister, Henrietta, and her five children: Bob (Elly) Simmons of Arlington Heights, IL, Ron Simmons of Woodstock, GA, Skip Simmons of Ford City, Ken (Susan) Simmons of Marietta, GA, and Chris (Bill) Dawson of Woodstock, GA. She also has eight grandchildren: Ron, Doug, Robyn, Julie, Sarah, Allison, Casey, and Corey; eight great-grandchildren: Alex, Zell, Lyric, Fletcher, Rylee, Trevor, Jordyn, and Jayden.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Jenny, Irene, and Lillian; and a brother, Tony.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM on Sunday at Mantini Funeral Home in Ford City. Prayer service will be at 9:30 AM Monday at the funeral home, followed by a mass of Christian burial at Christ Prince of Peace Church in Ford City at 10AM. Father Bryan Summers will officiate.