Yolo County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....SIMMONS , Alice Kate  July 27 2002
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Peggy B. Perazzo pbperazzo@comcast.net August 7, 2004, 10:47 pm

"The Davis Enterprise," Thursday, August 1, 2002
Alice K. Simmons

Alice Kate Simmons died in her home on July 27, 2002. She was 96 years old.

She was born in Hamburg, Germany, on April 7, 1906, and her story is a classic
tale of immigrant triumph, the true American dream. With the help of her
favorite uncle, Martin Gatgens, she and her father, William Gatgens, came to
America through Ellis Island. They settled in Davis in 1921 when she was just
16. Having left their metropolitan roots, they found themselves building a new
life in a town of 500.

While learning English, Simmons did domestic work for some of the legendary
early Davis families such as Oeste and Haussler.

Always progressing, she completed business college and secured a position in the
Viticulture Department at the University. In her spare time, she practiced
gymnastics outdoors. She met her late husband, John B. Simmons, through her
involvement with gymnastics.

Together, the couple raised three children: Son John M. Simmons, and daughters
Helen Ferrari and June Simmons.

Through a partnership with Rhoda Haussler, Haussler Dairy and farm was formed.
The duo later dabbled in land development, founding Simmons Real Estate, which
is now run by her son.

A tireless worker, Simmons helped build the family business with long hours of
hands-on labor.

Gardening and travel were her foremost personal interests, though she had many.

When she had more time to give, Simmons focused on community. She was active in
the Senior Chorus, the Yolo County Farm Bureau, the German Conversations Club,
the Community Church Women's Circle, the Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Friends
of the Arboretum and the Davis Art Center.

In addition to giving time and financial support to many causes, she was a
natural entrepreneur in an age of women staying at home. Her natural bent for
business was reflected in her successful investments, but even more so in the
nonprofit ventures she pioneered. The Book Sale Center of the Friends of the
Library and Davis Community Church's Thrift Shop are examples.

Simmons also touched the lives of many individuals and families with her quiet
kindness, welcoming international students to the campus, bringing rides to the
elderly, meals to the sick and making home visits to the homebound. Her
generosity in meeting the needs of friends and neighbors at points of challenge
is well known.

She lived in Davis these past 80 years and had a positive influence on the
development of Davis' culture. She had an even greater influence on her family
and made them a priority throughout her life. In addition to her children, she
leaves behind a strong legacy through her nine grandchildren, 11
great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

She will always be remembered by family and friends as a loving and
compassionate person, an active philanthropist, community volunteer and leader.

A memorial service will begin at noon on Aug. 7 at Davis Lutheran Church. A
celebration of her life will take place at the UC Davis Alumni & Visitors Center
following the service.


Additional Comments:
Submitted with the permission of the "The Davis Enterprise," 315 G Street,
Davis, CA 95616.

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