Elizabeth Anne (Betty Anne) McPhillips Simonds, a long-time resident of Lower Makefield Township, PA died December 24, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was 90 years young.
Born in 1928 in Philadelphia to Joseph A. and Kathryn McCabe McPhillips, she was raised in West Philadelphia where she attended public schools and graduated from West Philadelphia High School in June, 1946. She attended St. Joseph’s evening school for two years and was employed by the School District of Philadelphia as a private secretary in the Administration Building at 21st and Parkway, Philadelphia, for five years. In April, 1952, she met the love of her life, Milton Simonds, on a blind date through mutual friends at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Betty Anne and Milton were married on October 10, 1953 at the Church of the Transfiguration, Philadelphia.
Betty Anne and Milton traveled extensively while he was on active duty with the Navy. Upon his retirement, they lived in Ridley Park, Afton Township, Fredericksburg, VA and Claymont, DE, prior to moving to Lower Makefield in 1985.
Betty Anne was a homemaker and she and Milton raised seven children. She was an avid bowler, bowling in various leagues for more than 40 years. She also enjoyed and belonged to several bridge clubs and enjoyed traveling to Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City with her dear sister Mary Rose, and godchild, Laura Ann. She loved dancing and could always be found on the dance floor at family gatherings and parties – especially doing the jitterbug. She was a life member of the VFW 6393 Ladies Auxiliary, Yardley.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Milton R. Simonds Sr., her seven children Kathleen Finkle (Terry) of Lincoln, DE, Elizabeth of Tullytown, Robert (Sarah Beth) of Farmington Hills, MI, Judy Bradley (Jim) of Cinnaminson, NJ, Mary Anne Koleny (Jeff) of Leechburg, Paul (Megan) of Bear, DE and Milton Jr. (Jill) of Wilmington, DE, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all who brought great joy to her life. She was preceded in death by her 5 siblings and her granddaughter, Katie Simonds.
Special thanks to Chandler Hall Hospice and Right at Home and their wonderful staffs for providing her such great care over the last several weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352, in memory of Katie Simonds (1984 – 1990).
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 752 Big Oak Road, Lower Makefield, where friends may call from 9:30AM to 10:45AM. Her burial will be held at a later date at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.