Lavergne C Simmering

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2014 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Shelbyville, IL with Father Don Wolford as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the church. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in Calvary Cemetery, Mattoon, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

She was born in Chicago on May 20, 1931, the first child of Casimir and Agnes Szalla Vera. She married Albert Goralski of Chicago on September 27, 1952, with whom she had five children. He died on February 8, 1966. LaVergne married Richard Simmering on August 16, 1968, in Shelbyville.

LaVergne is survived by her children Karen (Charles) Block of Joliet, IL, Alan Goralski of Shelbyville, Lauren Goralski of Louisville, KY, John (Marci) Simmering of Norman, OK, Dr. James Michael Simmering of Troy, IL, William (Carla) Simmering of Urbana, IL, and Stephen (Jennifer) Simmering of Opheim, IL; daughters-in-law Marti Brachbill of Shelbyville and Mary Simmering of the island of Pohnpei; son-in-law Tom Kersey of Mattoon, IL; grandchildren Sadie and Jake Goralski, Mary and Tim Kersey and Kelly Standish, Brian Simmering, Jennifer Simmering Rines, Sarah, Jeremy and Adam Simmering, Shelby and Jamie Simmering, Christopher, Chloanne, Jacob and David Simmering, Jeannette Nicole Simmering, Christine Hawkins, and Kelly Heffington; and seven great-grandchildren. LaVergne is also survived by her only sibling, sister Barbara Hart of Streamwood, IL; and her heart’s very special blessings of love, Chad and Joel Brachbill of Shelbyville.

LaVergne was preceded in death by her husbands Albert and Richard, her parents, infant son Kenneth, sons Steven Goralski and Robert Simmering, and daughter Susan Simmering Kersey.

LaVergne was a graduate of Holy Family Academy in Chicago, and worked as a secretary in Chicago and Shelbyville. She was a member of Shelbyville’s Immaculate Conception Church where she had served as a minister of Communion, taught religion classes, and was a past president of the Altar Society. Her hobbies included bridge, gardening and reading (especially of non-fiction, current events and medicine).

LaVergne will be remembered as a kind and gentle person with a deep and abiding faith in God, a quiet woman of amazing strength and grace. She will be greatly missed by family and friends, but lives on in the smiles of those who love her and through her special Polish holiday traditions passed down to her children and to her children’s children.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Mom’s “angel” Terri Holmes for brightening her mornings with tender care.

Memorials may be given to Shelbyville’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Lions Club. Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com