Genevieve Aileen Simmens, 99, of Nauvoo, Ill., died at 9:23 p.m., Monday, Nov.19, 2024, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison.
She was born on July 31, 1925, in Nauvoo, Ill., the daughter of Mark and Rose Mary (Moffitt) Bollin. On June 13, 1949, she married Howard Simmens at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo. He preceded her in death on March 25, 1998.
Survivors include her children: Pamela (Roger) Fogle of Belle Isle, Florida, Frederic (Lori) Simmens of Jamestown, Missouri, Jennifer (David) Roberts of Fort Payne, Alabama, David Simmens of Flemington, Victoria, AU, Theresa (Kerry) Furlong of Albany, New York; fourteen grandchildren: Stephanie, Lori, Jeffrey, Matthew, Mallory, Sean, Sara, Jameson, Aimee, Mark, James, Erin, Stephen, Jessica; twenty-six great grandchildren; four great - great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Howard; son: Stephen Lane; brothers: Maximillian and David; brother in infancy: Richard.
Genevieve was a one room schoolhouse teacher and, for many years, owned and operated The Ancient Pines Bed and Breakfast where her homemade breads were legendary. She was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She belonged to the Catholic Women’s Club and had a particular devotion to laundering and pressing the altar linens. In addition she was a Benedictine Oblate. Genevieve devoted years of service to the Nauvoo Historical Society, achieving honors at the local and state level. She was an avid organic gardener, took joy in her far-reaching family and particularly cherished visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A visitation with family receiving friends will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at Schmitz - Banks and Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo, where a parish rosary will be recited at 1:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Tony Trosley as celebrant.
Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Nauvoo.
Memorials have been established in her memory for Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School or the Sara Guymon family.
Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is Assisting the family with arrangements.