Beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend, Marguerite A. Simmons, age 71, died Tuesday, November 23, 2004, at home. She was born February 15, 1933, in Herkimer, the youngest daughter of Philip J. and Marguerite (LeCouffe) DeGouff. Marguerite was a 1950 graduate of Herkimer High School and attended Utica School of Commerce. She was married October 25, 1952 to Charles R. Simmons, and was employed by the Federal Land Bank, Kelsey-Hayes and Univac. Since 1975, Marguerite had been a local businesswoman, owning ABC Ceramics Shop in Frankfort, and Marguerite's Gift Shoppe in Ilion and Lowville. Her gift shop was known in the Mohawk Valley for the pink pickup truck that featured a sign on its tailgate reading: "Follow me to Marguerite's." Marguerite's Gift Shoppe had several glass signings over the years with the president of Fenton Art Glass, George Fenton; as well as VP Don Fenton and Bill Fenton. During Marguerite's career as a businesswoman, she was proudest of her award for having the largest volume Fenton dealership in the United States. Survivors include her husband, Charles Simmons; her four children, Anne Schillinger of Poughquag, Christopher Simmons of Catoosa, OK, Colleen Espinosa of Arnold, MD, and Barbara of Lowville; her brother, Philip of North Carolina; nine grandchildren; special in-laws, George Calicchia of Ilion, Mary DeGouff of Herkimer, and James Francis of Fultonville; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Marguerite was predeceased by her parents; three sisters, Helena Frances in 1999, Yvonne Calicchia in 2003, and Isabelle in 2004; and her brother, Frances in 2003. Funeral services will be held 9:15 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2004, at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, and 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Anthony Barratt, Pastor. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort. Calling hours are Friday, November 26, 2004, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. The family wishes to thank Hospice and the many friends and strangers alike who sent cards and well wishes to Marguerite over the past months. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hannah Lee House c/o Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. For your convenience, envelopes will also be available at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.