ROCKLAND — Geraldine Anne (Fogg, Aylward) Simonton, 96, known to most as "Gerry" passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Breakwater Commons in Rockland. She was surrounded by her three daughters and the lovely, amazing staff at Breakwater.

Gerry was born September 3, 1929, in Lamoine, Maine. She was the daughter of Leslie William Fogg, Sr. and Vera E. Fogg. Gerry graduated from Morse High School in 1947 and earned her Nursing degree from Augusta General Hospital in 1951.

After receiving her R.N., she worked at Togus Veterans Hospital as head nurse for two years. There she met and married Thomas Aylward in 1954. They had four children together, three daughters and one son. In addition to living in Camden they built a lovely cottage on Hobbs Pond in Hope, that she always called "her happy place" and many memories were made and still are to this day.

After the death of her husband, Tom, in 1968, Gerry met her future husband, Howard Simonton, Jr. They married in 1972 and settled in Rockport. They just celebrated their 54th anniversary in July.

Gerry was a very active volunteer throughout her life. She was former President of Camden Women's Club, member of the Camden Hospital Auxiliary, First Aid Instructor and Head Nurse at the Camden Community Hospital. She also was a Director of the Camden District Nursing and worked with them for many years helping and caring for area residents. She continued to work at different clinics where giving "flu" shots was her favorite as she saw so many people. Once her nursing days were done, she decided to help run the "senior lunches" at John Street Church which were sponsored by MBNA. She put together a group of ladies called her "kitchen angels" who worked alongside her every Friday on the lunches. Once the lunches stopped, she established a "senior game day group" that played cards once a week at John Street Church. This group is still active today.

Besides her volunteer work, Gerry was very talented and had many hobbies. She loved to paint, make jewelry, sew, knit and garden. Gerry and Howard loved to travel in their RV. Their biggest achievement was traveling through every state in the United States. Her favorite trip of all was Alaska where they spent three months exploring. Most of all Gerry loved to laugh and to make others around her laugh. She lived a very full life and was always a happy and positive person.

Her children, grandchildren and great grandchild were her pride and joy. She will be most remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, her gift of compassion and caring and her ability to spread joy and laughter.

Gerry was predeceased by her parents and brother, William Fogg, Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Howard A. Simonton, Jr. of 54 years and her brother, Ralph Fogg of Ft. Pierce, Florida; her children, Greg Aylward, Susan Wootton (Charles Wootton), Nancy Carlson (Philip Carlson), Rebecca Mann; and stepdaughter Mary Ella Zietz (Paul Zietz), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11 a.m., at John Street United Methodist Church, John Street, Camden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John Street, Camden, ME 04843; or Camden District Nursing Association, P.O. Box 547, Camden, Maine 04843.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Gerry’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.