Isabel Dick Simmons, 88, of Rockville, MD passed away on Monday, February 3, 2014. She was the wife of the late Richard Branson Simmons and a life-long Rockville resident, graduating from Richard Montgomery High School in 1943. Isabel was the co-owner of Maryvale Market (formerly Dick's Store) in the 1950's. She was employed as a Montgomery County Public Schools Bus Driver for 26 years, retiring in 1986. She served as president of the Montgomery County Council of Supporting Services Employees. She is survived by her three children, Richard Branson Simmons Jr., Robert Lee Simmons and wife June Raymond Simmons, Christina Simmons Barton and husband John Barton, six grandchildren, Sam, Holly (Tim Gaydos), Fred, Christine, Nick, Sean, and five great grandchildren. Isabel was full of life and fun. She was always busy, working, traveling, reading, and enjoying many different pursuits. She and her husband, Dick, raised their family in Rockville, living on Beall Avenue for 46 years. Isabel and Dick built a cabin in Petersburg, West Va, in 1960, and for 25 years welcomed many family and friends to their retreat in the mountains. After losing the cabin in the flood of 1985, Dick and Isabel continued the tradition with a cottage near Berkeley Springs, West Va. After her retirement from MCPS in 1986, Isabel stayed active, working at Teddy Bear Day Care Center and Peppertree Children's Center. She always had a hug and a smile for children, all of whom called her "Grandma." Her beloved husband, Dick, passed away in 1992, and was buried in Rocky Gap Veteran's Cemetery in Flinstone, Maryland. Isabel moved to a townhouse in Woodley Gardens, Rockville, in 1993 and lived there happily until December 2013. She was active at the Rockville Senior Center and loved playing Bingo! She was a natural born winner. She had many friends and always had a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She was a independent and strong woman, admired by many. Isabel was laid to rest with her husband, Dick, at Rocky Gap Veteran's Cemetery on February 7, 2014. A Celebration of Isabel's Life will be held on March 1, 2014 at 2 pm at the Rockville Free Methodist Church, 210 1st Street, Rockville, Maryland 20851. Memorial contributions may be made to The Rockville Free Methodist Church.
