Frances A. Simmons

Frances A. Simmons (nee: Donnelly) 92, of Elyria passed away April 15, 2026 at The Danbury of North Ridgeville. She was born February 27, 1934 in Braddock, PA, and was a 1952 graduate of Swissvale High School. She and her family moved to Elyria in 1968, then to Grafton in 1974. Fran was a former member of St. Mary Church in Elyria, and Our Lady Queen of Peace in Grafton. She had recently been attending St. Peter Church in North Ridgeville.

Fran loved children and worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at St. Mary’s School for thirty two years, retiring in 2002. She volunteered at St. Peter’s School in North Ridgeville for several years following her retirement. She was also a member of The American Legion Auxiliary Post

# 12 where she served as past Secretary.

Survivors include two sons; William D. Simmons (Jane) of Shepherdstown, WV., Scott L. Simmons (the late Diana) of Elyria, two daughters; Darelyn F. Gray (Arthur) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jacklyn M. Simmons (Jeff Olson) of Avon. Additional survivors include her grandchildren; Tracy, Jamie, Shari (Garett), Robert (Kellie), Rachael (Michael), Carlene (Arlo), Michael, Jackie (Brian) and sixteen great grandchildren, two sisters; Carol Curran, Kathleen Maraden (Roy), and numerous nieces and nephews. Fran was preceded in death by her husband of fifty- seven years: William T. Simmons, her parents: William Leo and Isabel (nee: Sunderland) Donnelly, three sisters: Marian Hahey, Florence Cardiff, Virginia Donnelly, two brothers: Robert L. and James W. Donnelly, two nephews: James Donnelly and Jack Cardiff, and daughter-in-law: Diana Simmons.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM on Tuesday April 28, 2026 at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria where funeral services will be at 6:00 PM immediately following visitation. The Reverend Father Robert J. Franco, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be private at St. Peter Cemetery in North Ridgeville. In lieu of flowers, to honor Fran’s love of children, the family suggests memorial contributions to www.blessinghouse.org or the children’s charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com