Celebration of Life
Obituary of Helen Willett Simms
Helen Willett Simms, 86, of Wilton, CT (formerly of Darien and New Canaan, CT) passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, May 6th, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Helen was born on February 9th, 1937 in Westport, CT, to the late Luther and Catherine (Buckley) Willett. She graduated from Staples High School in 1956 where she excelled academically, artistically, and athletically. She played field hockey, basketball and softball in addition to singing with The Glee Club which launched her lifelong love of music.
She went on to earn a degree from The New York Foundling Hospital, School of Infante Care, which, founded in 1869, cared for thousands of children, regardless of race, creed, or color. Helen showed boundless love for the children under her care, she became the school 'Artiste-in-residence' and ultimately the President of her class. It was not long after that she would find her life-long passion – becoming a mother herself.
Helen was so dedicated to her family that she opted not to pursue her dream of singing professionally. She focused on local endeavors with Park Street Singers of New Canaan, St. Thomas Moore Choir in Darien, and Norwalk Community Chorales. She enjoyed her years as a girl scout leader, a lassie league coach, basketball coach, and an active member of the PTA. Reminiscent of her favorite Saint, St. Francis, her affection towards animals brought her much happiness. She cared for many senior dogs, showing them immense love in their later years, and loved spending time singing to the birds in her garden. One can hope these birds sang to her as they flew her on a smooth passage to her resting place in the heavens.
Survivors include her four children, Holly Doreen Simms of Black Rock, Shelly Tretter Lynch (Ralph) of Greenwich, Cindy Simms Gomes (David) of Trumbull, and Gregory Lance Simms (Aga) of Trumbull. Her twin brother, William Willett (Patricia) of Williamsburg, VA, and her younger brother Michael Willett (Fae) of Fairfield. She was the grandmother extraordinaire to her beloved grandchildren, Blake Tretter (Chelsea), Hannah Lynch, Tyler Gomes (Melissa), Jennifer Gomes, Ryan Gomes, Juliette Simms, Emily Simms and her great-grandchild Cole Gomes. She also leaves behind her many loving nieces, nephews and goddaughter, Wendy Willet Sellers. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia Blythe and Catherine Wokanovicz.
Family and friends may pay their respects at her celebration of life service, that will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 S Pine Creek Rd in Fairfield, CT at 11am on Thursday, May 11th.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen's honor may be given to The Connecticut Audubon Society, https://www.ctaudubon.org/donate-memorial-or-tribute-gifts/ https://www.ctaudubon.org/donate-memorial-or-tribute-gifts/ or The Connecticut Humane Society https://cthumane.org/venue/connecticut-humane-society-newington/?form=chswebsite