Margaret Louise Simmons, 89, of Lake Mary, Florida passed away Sunday, January 8, 2017. Ms. Simmons was born February 28, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Stephen Griffith and Bessie Devore Griffith.

Margaret (Peggy) moved to Maitland, Florida from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1961. The Simmons family was among the many people that the Martin Company brought into the Orlando area. Florida truly agreed with Peggy; she loved the warmth and sunshine. She thrived in the Florida sun, as did her plants and flowers. Known for her "green thumb," Peggy was an avid gardener. She pursued the hobby well into her later years when her passion became orchids.
Even though she was new to the area in 1961, Peggy jumped right in, becoming the head of the PTA and organizing most of the school and neighborhood activities. Later on, she worked as a bookkeeper while she raised her two daughters. As the girls were growing up, Peggy's door was always open to neighbors and friends. The house was often filled with groups of girls giggling and laughing. On occasion, the girls' friends would stop by just to visit with Peggy herself. She was known as the "neighborhood mom." Her daughters were the focus of her love and her life.

Peggy is survived by her two daughters, Sandra Martin (John Martin) of Lake Mary, Florida and Susan Scholla (Stephen Scholla) of Reston, Virginia; five grandchildren, Lindsay and Michael Martin and Gregory, Brian, and John Scholla; and one great-grandson, Gabriel Scholla. She is also survived by her brother, Stephen Griffith, of Cal-Nev-Ari, Nevada.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.