Catherine C. Simmons

Catherine "Katie" C. Simmons, 72, of North Attleboro, MA, died peacefully at home after a long illness. Her wife, Elaine C. Killough, and her furry feline friends, were at her side. Katie met the challenge of a prolonged and progressively debilitating illness with dignity, grace, and good humor to the very end.
Katie was born in Bay Shore, Long Island, NY. She was the daughter of the late Hubert D. Simmons, and the late Margaret E. Simmons. Katie grew up in Tennessee and South Carolina and attended the University of South Carolina where she earned a BS in Nursing in 1972. She remained a devoted USC Gamecocks supporter for her whole life. She continued her education at the University of Indiana, completing a MS in Nursing degree with a Clinical Specialty in Oncology. Her nursing career spanned 44 years, and included clinical practice, management, and education in multiple hospital setting in RI and MA. She was also a member of the nursing clinical teaching faculty in at the University of MA, Dartmouth.
Katie's special interest in breast cancer grew from her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor. She facilitated support groups and published both locally and nationally on coping strategies to support both patients and their families. She served as president of the Rhode Island and Southeastern MA Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society for many years.
As an active member of Second Congregational Church UCC of Attleboro, Katie served in many roles, including participating on the Outreach and Missions Committee. She loved this work as it allowed her to share her positive attitude, hope, and willing spirit to those in need. She also volunteered at the North Attleboro Senior Center and the Attleboro Literacy Center.
Some of Katie's happiest moments were spent in post-retirement travel with Elaine. They traveled to the Southwest, Alaska, South Africa, and Ireland and made many beautiful memories. The best times, however, were spent on Nantucket Island where their annual week in 'Sconset celebrating their wedding anniversary.
Katie loved outdoor activities and was a passionate sailor and skier. She belonged to sailing clubs in MA and RI. Skiing with her nieces was always a winter highlight. She was also an active member of Women Outdoors of RI and Southeastern MA where she forged lifelong friendships through outdoor adventures.
What mattered most to Katie was the time she spent with family and friends. She cherished and nurtured her friendships and was always ready to extend a helping hand to a friend in need. She will be remembered always as being kind, effervescent, generous, passionate, and compassionate.
In addition to her wife, she leaves her sister: Margaret Elliott of Jupiter, Florida: her brothers: Chris Simmons and his partner, Molly Mosley, of Rotunda West, Florida; John D. Simmons and his wife, Kathryn, of Tyron, North Carolina; and Kelly Simmons and his wife, Lois, of Columbia, South Carolina; Elaine's son: Michael Somers and his wife, Susana, and their children: Christian and Amelia of Vancouver, B.C. and many beloved nieces, nephews and their children.
Elaine, along with Katie's family, extend a special thanks to HopeHealth Hospice and to all the special caregivers who provided such compassionate support to both Elaine and Katie, at the end of Katie's life.
A celebration of Katie's life will be held at the Second Congregational Church UCC, 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703 on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.  Please put this on your calendar.  We hope to see you then.
Memorial donations in Katie's name can be made to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or to the Hockomock YMCA - North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleborough. (508) 695-0200