NORWICH – Leopoldine “Poldi” Simmons, 87, of Norwich, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2009, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Bilyou F. Simmons.
Born in Gosting, Austria, in October of 1921, Poldi was the daughter of Sophie Langauer Fiala. Educated in Vienna, Austria, she worked as an interpreter for the American troops in World War II, where she met her future husband, Sergeant Bill Simmons from Norwich, New York. She emigrated to the United States in 1948 and married her beloved Bill a year later.
Poldi was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends. She enjoyed entertaining and hosted many coffee klatches for her neighbors. She loved writing letters and corresponded with friends and relatives throughout the United States and Europe. Poldi worked part-time in retail at Montgomery Ward and McLaughlin Department stores, liked to travel, and was an avid bowler for twenty-five years. She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where she did charity work, as well as participating in various clubs and organizations throughout her life.
Poldi leaves one daughter, Katherine Susan Eleoff and her husband Lawrence of North Providence, RI and three sons: Stephen Simmons and his wife Anita of Roswell. Ga., Mark Simmons and his wife Bonnie of Vergennes, Vt. and Richard Simmons and his companion Linda Walker of Ft. Worth, Texas. She also leaves four grandchildren: Dr. Sara Eleoff of Rochester, Liza Eleoff of Fairfield, Conn. and Kylie and Lindsey Simmons of Vergennes, Vt. along with her sister, Wilma Roberts of Pawtucket, RI. Poldi was predeceased by her husband, Bill, by two sisters, Elfie and Milla and her brother, Alois.
Per Poldi’s request there will be no calling hours. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Chuck Taylor of New Berlin will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815, would be appreciated.