Connie Simmons, native Mercedian, teacher’s aide, dies at 82
Feb. 25, 1940 — Feb. 9, 2023
Connie (Chello) Susan Simmons, born on Feb. 25, 1940, in Merced, passed on Feb. 9, in Merced.
Born to Rose Romero Ortiz and Antonio Espinosa, she was the eldest of six children, and a 1959 graduate of Merced High School, as well as a Merced Community College graduate with her AA.
Connie worked at Franklin School as a Teacher’s Aide for over 31 years, Foster Freeze for 15+ years, sold Avon for over 30 years, and ran the Merced Speedway Pit area concession stand named after her, Connie’s Corner.
She was also a proud owner of her 1969 Camaro which she purchased brand new in 1969 and drove around proudly.
Connie had a great enthusiasm for going on family trips from Disneyland to riding on a hot air balloon over Lake Tahoe, to every festival near and far, including going with her grandchildren to see them perform at many of their events.
Connie’s generosity, strength and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew her, she is leaving behind a heartbroken family.
She is survived by her sisters Clara Anguis (Sal), Emily Ortiz, Linda Sandoval and Phyllis Witcomb, her children Richard Simmons (Patty), Donna Simmons (Chuck Bussey), her grandchildren Ryan Albright (Michael), Ashley Klotz (Ian), Alexis Santos (Nick), Chey Simmons and Tagen Simmons, great grandchildren William Albright, Tyler Albright, Riley Albright, Cora Klotz, Juddah Klotz, Baby Girl Santos due in July and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her son Jonathan Simmons, her Mother, Father, her Stepfather Frank Ortiz and her brother Frank Ortiz, Jr.
Services for Connie will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Atwater on Friday, Feb. 24, with her viewing starting at 11 a.m., her Rosary at 11:30 a.m. and Mass at noon, burial at Winton Cemetery to follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held after services at Costa Restaurant, 1857 Bellevue Road, Atwater.
If sending flowers or plants, please have them delivered on Feb. 23, 2023, at Whitton Family Funeral Service, 740 W 19th Street, Merced, Ca. 95340, or please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Connie’s name.