Peggy Simmons

Returning to the States in 1957, her third child was born during her time at Harvard. The family then moved back to Ohio where last child was born in Painesville in 1963. During these years, she was an active community volunteer and a member of the Junior Service League. She began the Volunteer Service Bureau, which was so successful that it became a model for other communities. In 1968, she began to teach Kindergarten at Lake Erie College, and in 1972 became the Founding Head of Phillips School. In the ten years she served as Head of School, it grew to 440 students. She then accepted the post of Executive Vice President of the College, where she stayed until 1984. During her career in Ohio, she received many awards, such as Lake County Woman Educator of the Year and Outstanding Administrator. She also served as a Trustee for the Andrews School, a private boarding school for girls in Willoughby, Ohio.

 

After accepting the position of Head of Trinity School in 1984, she moved to Midland, and in 1985 married Charles Simmons, an American History and Government professor at Midland College. Together they pursued their love of family, friends, cooking, and traveling. They were also faithful members of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. During her 13-year tenure at Trinity, the school thrived and expanded. It was because of her vision and leadership that the Upper School at Trinity became a reality, and in 1991, Mrs. Simmons saw her dream come to life as the first graduating class walked the stage. Mrs. Simmons was known for working morning carpool every day, and greeting every student by name. She inspired and mentored her colleagues to always achieve their greatest potential and serve their students with love and compassion.  Many of these colleagues became lifelong friends including Vina Rahlfs, Joanne Weber, and Doris Watson, with whom she continued to celebrate birthdays for many years. Upon her retirement in 1997, the Simmons Building was dedicated in honor of her leadership and commitment to the School.

 

Mrs. Simmons continued to have a significant impact on Trinity School up until her passing. She established the Margaret and Charles Simmons Fine Arts Award at Trinity in memory of her husband, Charles Simmons. The award provides a generous stipend to be used in the chosen area of the recipient’s art discipline. Mrs. Simmons also spearheaded fundraising efforts honoring other Trinity legacies, including the Vina Rahlfs Excellence in Teaching Award and the All Saints Chapel Endowment in honor of Joanne Weber. She stayed connected to the School attending annual commencement ceremonies, school programs, and special celebrations. Mrs. Simmons also kept up with many Trinity alumni, and celebrated their successes. Until recently, Mrs. Simmons faithfully read every week to Ms. Erlandson’s third grade class. Trinity School was blessed by Mrs. Simmons' vision and commitment to our school that left a lasting impact that still exists today.

 

Mrs. Simmons’ impact went far beyond the halls of Trinity School. She was also a faithful servant to her community. She served as an officer of the Independent Schools of the Southwest for six years, holding the office of President for the last two years before she retired in 1997. Mrs. Simmons has served on numerous Midland community boards, such as The Midland/Odessa Symphony Board, The Museum of the Southwest, and Casa de Amigos. She also drove a Meals on Wheels route every week. In their retirement, Peggy and Charles also delighted in traveling and seeing their seven children and many grandchildren.

A newspaper reporter once wrote, “Peggy Simmons is the epitome of happiness, joy, and caring. She brings to education the magic of learning, which is her personal philosophy for every classroom.” She brought these same qualities to all parts of her life, from her childhood to her last years in Texas.