UNION — Frances Simmons, 90, died peacefully Sept. 2, 2014, surrounded by her family, at Windward Gardens in Camden.

Born March 22, 1924, in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of William and Alice Higney Rogers. Moving with her family as an infant to Maine, she was raised in Rockland, where she attended school.

In early 1941, Frances met Murry Simmons. The two were married Nov. 27, 1941. Eager to serve his country, Mr. Simmons later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and along with their newborn son, they moved to Colorado.

As World War II ended, the couple returned to Maine, settling in Union, where they resided together until Mr. Simmons death in 2010.

Mrs. Simmons was an avid reader and loved to be outdoors. She took great joy in tending her flower and vegetable gardens, often turning the fruits of that garden into delicious canned goods. She greatly enjoyed bird-watching and keeping them fed with her many bird-feeders.

She was an accomplished seamstress and although she was never idle, she did enjoy watching her daily afternoon soap opera.

Most important in Mrs. Simmons life was her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to family gatherings at holidays and birthdays, and attending her grandchildren's sporting events. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Mrs. Simmons was predeceased by her husband; a brother, William Rogers; and two sisters, Loretta Velpetich and Marie Newbert. she is survived by her son, David Simmons and his wife, Joanne, of Union; her daughter, Nancy Palmer and her husband, Allan, of Ellensburg, Wash.; her sister, Alice Parker of Dearborn, Mich.; her six grandchildren, Shawn, Amy, Adam, Jayme, Julie and Jeffrey; 12 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. Interment will follow at East Union Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.