Dorothy Aurelia Simmonds (Stebbins), 100, passed away December 30, 2011 in Glen Arm, MD. Her husband Melvin passed away in 1978. Born in New Haven on May 31, 1911, she was a daughter of Frank L. & Lena Dickerman Stebbins. Dorothy lived in West Haven until 2004 when she moved to Glen Arm, MD.
Dorothy attended West Haven Schools and after graduating from Normal School in 1930, taught first grade for the West Haven Public Schools. In 1940 she married Melvin (Simmy) Simmonds.
Dorothy was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of West Haven, participating in Keystone, Lunch and Learn and Sociable Singles. She was a charter member of the Kalmathean Club; Golden Rod Chapter, Order of Eastern Star; and Eve Lear Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteered for 35 years in the South Central Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross & served as a substitute teacher.
Dorothy is survived by daughters Barbara (Rich) Vergauwen and Betsy (Jim) Pollock; five grandchildren John (Cyndi) Vergauwen, Mark (Shira) Vergauwen, David Vergauwen, Matthew (Tammy) Vergauwen and Stephanie (Todd) Redlin and nine great-grandchildren. Dorothy was predeceased by her brothers Frank & John Stebbins and her good friend, Ray Huey.
Visitation will take place SATURDAY JUNE 30 at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green from 9 to 10 a.m., with a Memorial Service at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. A reception will be held at the First Congregational Church West Haven from noon until 1:30 p.m.

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