Obituary of Dolores J. Simmons

TOWN OF MANHEIM – Mrs. Dolores J. Simmons, age 76, of Dockey Road, Little Falls, entered into eternal rest on Thursday afternoon, February 4, 2021, at Albany Medical Center. Dolores passed away peacefully with her children by her side and the love of her life holding her hand. Dolores was born on October 13, 1944, in Amsterdam, New York, a daughter of the late William H. and Katie Bell (Little) Deay. She lived in Mariaville and was a graduate of Schalmont High School, Schenectady and then went on to attend Gorhams Beauty School as well. Dolores was an exceptionally talented beautician and her family benefited from this greatly through the years! She was very well known as ‘Gramma’ and particularly with her presence at the HMS Host convenience store, NYS Thruway exchange at Indian Castle where she served many years as a Sales Clerk and Cashier. She is survived by her beloved husband and soulmate of over 60 years, Larry; her cherished children, Michael Simmons and friend, Holly, of Little Falls, Daniel (Suzanne) Simmons, of Marcy, NY and Wendy (Todd) Bramer, of Little Falls. Her grandchildren just loved “Gramma” with all their hearts. They are Matthew Simmons, Megan Simmons, Peyton Simmons, Jesse Simmons, Olivia Simmons, Declan Simmons, Cian Simmons, Erica Congdon, Samantha Carlock, Scott Congdon, Adam Congdon and Tyler Bramer. Her great-grandchildren are Isabella Simmons, Dorian Hamilton, Finley Hamilton, Wyatt Forbes, Cayson Carlock, Keegan Carlock, Makenna Carlock, Aydin Congdon and Luana Congdon. Her sisters are Marcia Migdal, of Galway, Ardeth Deay, of Galway and Noresta (Charles) Baker, of Fort Plain. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces and nephews, along with her special Old English Sheepdog, Willie. She was predeceased by her parents, William & Katie Deay; sister, Jacqueline Sprague; sister-in-law, Gracie Gerding; and parents-in-law, Harold & Cora Simmons. In her early days Dolores enjoyed teaching ceramics, wig parties, jewelry parties and raising Dalmatian and Old English Sheepdog puppies. She was actively involved in the local Lioness Club. Dolores was always crafting or thinking of new ideas of things to make for the family. As a beautician she took care of everyone in the family's hair. She worked along with her family on the family farm and took meticulous care of all the farm records. Her talent and passion were best displayed in the kitchen. She loved cooking for her husband and family. She did not need a recipe, as it came from her heart. When you went to her house you had to try her latest dish, mustard, relish, or concoction. Her husband Larry and her family were her world. Her husband was her true soul mate, a match made in heaven. She would give anything and everything to the people she loved. She was always giving and even giving of herself at the end as she gave part of herself to strangers. Simply put, mom had a ‘Heart of Gold.’ Due to current health restrictions, Dolores’ family will hold a celebration of life service at a later date and time to be announced. For those wishing to do so, in lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an Organ Donor and or memorial contributions to your local animal shelter in her name. We sincerely appreciate these gestures. Nothing that is loved is ever lost and no one who has ever touched a heart can really pass away because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they have become a part. The Simmons family has entrusted Dolores’ final wishes to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street, Little Falls, NY 13365 (315) 823-2424, Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. A special online memorial tribute has been established for Dolores at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.