Dorothy "Granny" Anna (Stine) Simmers

Dorothy “Granny” Anna (Stine) Simmers

Enjoyed Meaningful Time with Family -

Dorothy “Granny” Anna (Stine) Simmers, age 84, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, August 10, 2018.  Granny was born on Saturday, May 5, 1934 in Mechanicsburg to the late John Leroy Stine and Kathryn (McCauslin) Peiffer.  Granny was the widow of Robert “Bob” Lawrence Simmers, whom she married on November 14, 1987, and who died on December 22, 2007.  In addition to her parents and husband, Granny is preceded in death by her Siberian Husky, Nikita.

Granny’s survivors include her two children: Noel Spencer, III and his wife, Sherry, of Mechanicsburg, Toni Spencer and her partner, Theresa White-Lightner, of Mechanicsburg; her three grandchildren: Jonathan, Kyla, and Christopher Spencer; her bonus granddaughter, Peyton Kerr; her two sisters: Sandy Stauffer, Vicki Valcis; her former spouse and friend, Noel Spencer, Jr.; and her three beloved feline companions: Topaz, Roo, and Rookie.

Granny graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1952, she attended West Chester University, and then graduated from the Bloom School of Nursing in Harrisburg where she later served as an instructor.  She retired from Homeland Nursing Home in Harrisburg after enjoying a long career in the healthcare industry.  Granny was a ten year member of Chestnut Grove Methodist Church in Dillsburg and attended Bible study for many of those years.  She was a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous and recently celebrated 33 years of continuous sobriety.  Granny was a senior member of DC Chatters and was sought out by many of the younger members for advice.  Granny loved music and was an avid sports fan whose favorite teams included the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys.  She was a proud and staunch Democrat who was a faithful volunteer and remained politically active even in her later years.  Granny loved to weave colorful tales that became more and more elaborate until someone finally caught on and questioned the story.  She loved her grandchildren profoundly and made extraordinary efforts to spend meaningful time with them and to keep them happy and safe.  Instead of tending to her garden with her own hands, she enjoyed nurturing and guiding her little future gardeners.  Her most cherished and valued memories involved the time she spent surrounded by her family.

All are welcome to join Granny’s family at gathering of family and friends on Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 11:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. with a service to begin at 12:30 p.m. at Chestnut Grove Methodist Church, 450 Chestnut Grove Road, Dillsburg, PA 17019; with Pastor Donna L. Hildebrand officiating.  Granny’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the service.  Everyone attending is asked to wear their favorite sports team’s jersey or at least bright team colors in honor of Granny.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Granny’s life can be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2600 Network Boulevard, Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034, www.Donate.NationalBreastCancer.org.

Granny’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Granny’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign Granny’s official guest book at Buhrig.com.