Sandra H. Simkins

Sandra H. Simkins of Punta Gorda, FL passed away peacefully on November 20, 2020, at the age of 79. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, David (Harvey) Simkins, daughter Rebecca Smith, son-in-law Michael, granddaughter Emily; daughter Elizabeth (Liza) Cronin, son-in-law Kevin, grand-daughter Kelsey; daughter Rachael Simkins-Makela, son-in-law Lee and grand-son Andrew Finn. She is predeceased by her parents Fred and Lillian Marriott and sister Frances Elizabeth (Betty) Guyer. Sandra spent her final two weeks at home surrounded by the love of family and friends celebrating Biden’s win, Veterans day, her granddaughter's birthday, her 57th wedding anniversary, and an early Christmas.  

Sandra was raised in Stoneham, MA and spent summers with her parents at their cottage in Little Neck Ipswich, MA. Sandra graduated from Stoneham High School in 1958 then attended Boston University School of Nursing and earned her RN-BSN. Later, she earned a Masters in Adult Education at Worcester State College. Sandra served honorably in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps from September 1961 to September 1964 earning the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. She met her husband the first day of her assignment to U.S. Naval Hospital Oakland, CA and knew instantly he was the man she would marry. In 1963, they were wed in Oakland, CA. When they completed their Naval service, they lived a short time in Stoneham, MA then raised their three daughters in Pepperell, MA. Sandra worked as an Emergency Room nurse at Boston University Hospital and Nashoba Community Hospital in Groton, MA. She also worked in various other nursing positions at the VA Hospital, a family practice, nursing homes, and assisted living in both Massachusetts and in Florida after she retired. Once retired, Sandra and her husband lived part-time at their cottage in Little Neck Ipswich, MA, and home in Punta Gorda, Florida. They loved to boat, kayak, and camp with friends, swim, explore, and spend time with their children and grandchildren. 

Sandra was an incredibly intelligent, well-read, strong-minded, pragmatic woman who broke stereotypes. An avid skier and swimmer, she grew up driving boats and sailing. She danced ballet, owned an archery hunting bow and Bowie knife, and was a sharpshooter on the BU Women’s Rifle Team her freshman year. Sandra loved to drive fast cars and ride motorcycles, but also cherished her Sunday drives with her parents and grandmother. A selfless and driven woman, she found great fulfillment serving others in the U.S. Navy and as an ER nurse. Sandra was a dedicated, loyal, and supportive wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. She was a force to behold and loved her friends and family even more fiercely. She exposed her children to as many life experiences as possible and encouraged them to follow their own paths. Sandra loved what made each of her daughters and grandchildren the unique individuals that they are. She was the anchor that held our family together. She was loved and will be dearly missed. May the Force be with you mom!  

In lieu of flowers… please plant a tree, bush, or flower for yourself, a friend, or someone in need. Plant a tree with The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/plant-a-billion 

Or to plant Memorial Trees in memory of Sandra, please visit our Tribute store below.