Ollie Pearl Simmons' Obituary
Ms. Ollie Simmons, age 88, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born to Alvin Lee “Buck” Simmons and Mary Jane Red on Saturday, August 26, 1933, in Bazette, Texas. Ollie leaves her loved ones with unforgettable memories and loving stories. She will be sincerely missed by her loving family, devoted friends, and all the wonderful individuals who knew and loved her. She leaves behind her son, Wayne Edelman, South Fork, CO; her daughter, Diane Edelman Snyder, San Antonio, TX; and her grandchildren, Paul Edelman, Shannon Snyder, and Emily Rottenberg. She is preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Rottenberg (d. 3/5/11); her parents, Alvin Lee and Mary Red Simmons; her three older brothers, Royce, Bernard and Raymond Simmons; and her older sister, Mary Miller.
Ollie was the youngest of 5 children (3 brothers and 1 sister). Her mom died when Ollie was 3; and her sister took on the mother role.
Her family was sharecroppers, paid to pick cotton in the Powell and Kerens, TX area. School let out early to let the children help.
Ollie attended Powell Elementary and middle schools; and Kerens High School, graduating May 24, 1949 at age 15. Ollie was on her basketball and softball school teams. After graduation, she moved to Dallas where she
sought to transform herself into a polished professional woman, attending secretarial school and also going to training on etiquette, poise, and manners. She was always proud of being fit with a 20-inch waist and perfect posture.
When Ollie arrived in Dallas after HS graduation, she had a room in a boarding house and worked at Oilwell Supply Co. until Wayne was born in 1959.
In 1954, Ollie met Thomas Glen Edelman in Dallas and they were married Feb. 25, 1955. They lived in her apartment until their house on Dunaway was built. Wayne was born in 1956 and Diane in 1958. In 1961, the family moved into a larger house on Shagrock where they lived for over 18 years. When Diane entered Elementary School, Ollie returned to work at a plumbing supply company which she loved.
In the 1980s, Ollie left her job and followed Glen’s dream to live in South Fork, CO (where the family had vacationed for many years). They drifted apart and after 3 years separated with Ollie moving back to Dallas area. They later divorced in 1990 and Glen passed in 2001.
Her daughter said she was the happiest she’d seen her in the years that followed moving back to Dallas. Loved her 2-bedroom patio home in Garland and activities with friends. She loved her dog, Sandy and prioritized her charity giving to all things helping animals. During this time, she made it a priority to be actively involved with her grandkids of Paul and Shannon.
In 1991, she married the love of her life – Aaron Rottenberg. He expanded her horizons with travel in US and abroad, ballroom dancing, concerts/shows, and friends. And they both encouraged and gave of their time for the grandkids which now included Emily Rottenberg.
Ollie had a strong independent spirit. When Aaron passed away in 2011, she sold the house to her close friends Tommie and Roy Wright and moved into Highland Springs retirement apartment community with her dog, Becca. She loved all the activities and friends there. A few years after her 80th birthday, she was facing the heartbreaking loss of memory of
Alzheimer’s and was moved into memory care – first in Dallas, then moved to San Antonio near her daughter on March 7, 2020 the week before Covid pandemic shut things down.
Children- Wayne J. Edelman, S. Fork, CO and Diane Edelman Snyder, San Antonio, TX. Grandchildren: Paul Edelman (Wayne’s son), Shannon Snyder (Diane’s daughter), Emily Rottenberg (by marriage)
Accomplishments- loved life. Developing strong, independent, loving children and grandchildren. Favorite saying: Live long, laugh often, love much.
Ollie enjoyed travel, music, photography, bowling, cards, a good joke, puzzles including her daily crossword.
Attributes- refused to use computers instead “Grammy’s email” = mailed package of clippings, jokes; likes good jokes, collected and shared.
Mom had a full 88 years of life. Raised picking cotton in poor conditions but at age 15 took initiative to go to secretarial and charm school to transition to a polished, but fun career woman in Dallas and later a wife and working mother setting herself apart from the 1950s housewife norms. Thus, inspiring her children and grandchildren in their later achievements. Her family shared a little about her Alzheimers period of life that over the last 7 years took her “spark” away - her personality and humor, leaving her confused with life. Family and friends will miss her, but we’re glad she is now free.
What’s your fondest memory of Ollie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ollie?
Share a story where Ollie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ollie you’ll never forget.
How did Ollie make you smile?
