Carolyn A. (Edwards) Simmons, 80, formerly of Lower Macungie Township, passed away September 25, 2015 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. She was the beloved wife of James C. Simmons, to whom she was married to for 58 years. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Harry Mortimer and Mary (Biesecker) Edwards. She was a 1957 graduate of Moravian College and went on to Graduate school at Marywood University. She was a teacher for the Midland School District in Midland, Pennsylvania, teaching English, Spanish and French until her first child was born. She was a volunteer in the Arthritis Clinic at the Allentown Hospital. A former member of the board of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Society of Lehigh Valley. She also volunteered at Swain School, church, and for many community activities. She was a golfer, a swimmer having spent many years as an aquatic and water safety instructor, a traveler, an avid reader, a needle-pointer, and knitter. Additionally she was a wonderful homemaker and gracious hostess. She was a loving wife to James and a beautiful mother to her children. She delighted in spending time with her grandson, with whom she had a very special bond. She was a friend to all and was often befriended by strangers whom would stop to chat with her in her travels. Survivors: She is survived by husband; Son, James M. and wife Lori of Macungie; Daughter, Shawn M. of Exton; Sister Marilyn Rhodes of Doylestown; Grandson, Noah C. of Exton; Granddogs, Cola and Murphy. She was predeceased by Son, Christopher S. Simmons and Sister, Gwendolyn L. Kozik. Services: Celebration of Life Service Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 3231 West Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104. A visitation with the family will be held following the service. Schantz Funeral Home P.C., Emmaus, is handling arrangements. Contributions: May be made to Student Scholarship Fund care of Moravian College, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, or Fox Chase Women's Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497.
