In Loving
Memory

Obituary message

Ellen Simons née Brown died peacefully in her home on March 24, 2018 in Glen Allen, Virginia at the age of 57.

Ellen is survived by her husband Ward Simons; daughter Elizabeth Simons and husband Mathew Cloak; daughter Julia Simons; parents Mary and Harvey Brown; sister Elizabeth and husband Todd Sandeman; and grandmother Mary Tuthill. She was preceded in death by her sister, Suzanne Brown.

Ellen was born on April 11, 1960 in Greenport, New York to Mary and Harvey Brown and grew up Miami, Florida. She graduated high school from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in 1978. She then earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. In 1986, she married her high school sweetheart, Ward Simons. Together they moved to Connecticut, where she began a career at Travelers Insurance and where they expanded their family with two daughters. Ellen and her family lived in Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and North Carolina, but consider Virginia their home. Ellen frequently expressed how much she loved the life she and her family built, and what a perfect life it was for her.

Ellen is remembered for her selfless devotion as a wife and a mother. She was also a caring friend to many. One of her greatest pleasures was taking long walks with friends, which she did most days of the week. People describe her as the “glue” that maintained strong relationships and friendships.

After developing health problems, including a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis in 2012, Ellen spent time each day researching how to optimize health and understand how the body works. Her friends and family consulted Ellen for help in understanding their own ailments. She was analytical and determined in her search for knowledge.

In November of 2017, following a non-cancer related surgery, her cancer spread aggressively, and lead to a fast decline in her health. Her last four months living with cancer were fortunately unrepresentative of her overall quality of life with cancer. Her example in living a healthy, happy lifestyle continues to encourage many.

A funeral is scheduled for April 6, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Glen Allen, Virginia, where Ellen and her family have been parishioners for 17 years. A visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am before the mass, and a reception will follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ellen’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Commonwealth Catholic Charities. The family would like to thank At Home Hospice for their comforting care in the last two months of Ellen’s life.