Lona Florence Van Lare (Simmons) transitioned to Spirit on May 7, 2021 at the age of 87. She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Harland Simmons; her siblings- June, Harold, Frank, Art, Gordon, and Sherwood; her husband, Linwood, son-in-law Robert Briggs, and her great-granddaughter, Hannah Marie. She is survived by her children; Linda and Michael Reese, Jeffrey and Jacqueline Van Lare, and Susan and Jeremy Gaynor; her beloved grandchildren- Shalyn and Lou, Lauren and Steve, Sarah and Ted, Cooper and Kara, Timothy and Katemarie, Jeremiah and Caitlin, Zachary and Elisha, Elijah and Kacy; great-grandchildren- Elise, Evelyn, Alexa, Ethan, Olivia, Emma, Chase, and Noah. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lona will be greatly missed for her strength, determination, sense of humor, creativity, and no-nonsense outlook on life.
Funeral Services will be private. Those wishing to honor her life may make a donation in her name to Hilarity for Charity- Bringing Light to Alzheimer’s or UR Medicine Hospice.
My deepest sympathies to my cousins Linda, Jeff, and Susan. As a child I was very close to my Aunt Lona. I remember spending time at Concrest and I have many happy memories from the house on Maple Avenue. It seems Linda and I were always in trouble. She loved animals, especially a bassett hound named Happy. We shared the same birthday and I will always remember the 16 blue tea roses she sent me for my 16th birthday. I hope your memories heal your hearts and know that she is at peace with her family.
Much love, Cheryl
So sorry Susan and family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you
Our Deepest sorrow for all of you may all your memories bring a smile to your hearts Sending our Love. Aunt Marianne and Family
So sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a parent.it gets easier with time and the memories remain. My mom is never far from my thoughts even 40 years later.