Geraldine Naomi Simms

It is with Heavy Hearts that we announce the passing of Geraldine Naomi Simms. She passed away peacefully at the University of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville Florida on February 7, 2024.
Geraldine Naomi Simms was born in New York, New York on December 7, 1930, to Edna and Necho Rand. She is predeceased by her husband, Edward Simms Sr, both parents and sister Louise Ratteray.
She leaves behind daughters Judythe Pepin (Simms), Sheryl Simms, Grandson Dwight (Dee Jay) Smith, Wife Miriam Smith and Great Grandson Maloch Smith, Son, Eric Simms, two-step children, Barbara Simms(Wiggins) and Edward Simms Jr and Merle Nilsson.

Geraldine was a graduate of Julia Richmond High School, an all-girls high school in New York City. She attended the State University of New York College at Oswego majoring in Elementary Education. She earned her Master of Education from the State University of New York College at Brockport.
In 1952 she accepted a teaching position in Rochester, NY at #39 school. She went on to teach at Caledonia Mumford Central School, Second Grade for 1965 -66 school year and then again in 1971 until her retirement in 1990 teaching 1st, 4th and 6th grades. Geraldine additionally taught Second Grade at Bayview Elementary School in Freeport Long Island, NY and served as Principal for the HeadStart Program at PS 73 in Brooklyn NY.
She was always very active in her community. She served as a Girl Scout Leader for the Junior Girl Scout Troup #1055 in Caledonia for multiple years, played Lady Thiang in the Caledonia Schools Musical, The King and I. This was the start of a new adventure for her which turned into a side career with Stage III Productions in Rochester and other Rochester Theatre groups. She was a make-up artist for the actors as well as a Dresser for multiple Musical Broadway type shows.

She served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Battered Women, spoke on Domestic Violence around the Rochester area and on television. Additionally, she commentated for and arranged numerous Fashion Shows in the Rochester and New York City areas.

After retirement she moved to the Orlando, Florida area in1996 where she enjoyed family, traveling, book clubs, church activities, the Florida lifestyle and cruising.
She leaves behind a Huge Legacy of spreading love, inspiration and encouragement to previous students and their families, peers, family and friends. Even while in the nursing homes and during hospitalizations, staff would sing praises regarding how she would make them feel better when they were having a bad day or guide them with ideas for makeovers. They would always boast about her positive attitude, saying how Mrs. Simms is always so happy and so positive and how they were privileged to be working with her when assigned.
***She will be missed Deeply!!!***

A Memorial Service is scheduled in her honor for Saturday, May 11 from 3pm to 5pm at Alhart Funeral Home located at 3068 Main St. Caledonia, New York 14423. A Dutch dinner will follow at the Village Inn located at 3137 Main St . Caledonia, NY 14423