Reta Simons' Obituary
Reta Marie Simons, 93, of Purcellville, VA, formerly of Stuart, Fl, died July 8, 2006 in Leesburg, VA. Born on March 24, 1913 in Regina, Canada. A daughter of the late John D. Petersen and the late Silvia Maul Petersen. Reta received her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Michigan where she helped set up the Women’s Continuum. Working towards her doctorate in Psychology and counseling she stopped short and decided to defer to fashion a similar program for Oakland Community College, Bloomfield Hills, MI. She served as Professor and Director of Counseling and Placement for Oakland Comm. College. Mrs. Simons was also a private pilot, a graduate of Detroit Conservatory of Music (Piano), Marle School of Classical Ballet, and a Jewelry designer.
Reta was never one to say no or couldn’t and she proved this until the time of her death from long running complications of a stroke suffered December 12th 2002. After her attending Physician Dr. Philip L. Mendell of Stuart, Florida denied her hospital admission to Martin Memorial.
Mrs. Simons was active in multiple professional societies and sat on many boards. One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as the Founder and first Chairman of the Board of Project Transition, Detroit, Michigan, a training program for women offenders to affect lasting social readjustment. She conceived of, instituted and oversaw the program. . It was the first live-in go to school, and employment program for female offenders in the United States. With regret she resigned after 5 years so she could spend more time as executive wife of Walter J. Simons, Treasurer and Int. VP of Chrysler Corp.
When they retired to Sewells Point in Stuart, FL, she started the first Chapter, in Stuart, of the Christ Child Society. Reta loved people and tried to help wherever she could. In addition to raising her three children in Bloomfield Village, she also raised 2 teen foster children.
After her husband of 50 years died in 1986, she married Linus MacKenzie, who passed away in 2000. In 1998 she sold her beloved “Windy Hill” property, in Northern, MI. where many friends enjoyed time and her children and grandchildren enjoyed years of activities.
Her son, Jay Simons and his wife Georgiene, of Melbourne, FL, her daughter Dr. Cheryl McGee of Purcellville, VA, 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandsons, two nieces, one nephew and five great nieces and nephews survive her. One son Dale L. Simons who died in 1994 and one brother Jack Petersen also predeceased her.
A family memorial service and interment will be conducted August 20, 2006, in Torch Lake Michigan where she will be laid to rest next to her husband and son. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the ASPCA.
Arrangements By: Loudoun Funeral Chapels, Leesburg, VA.
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