Obituary: Barbara Simmat, 91, of Milford

MILFORD, CT - (From Cody-White Funeral Home) It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my Mom, Barbara Simmat, on January 28th in our home with me and our cats, Cooper and Tucker, by her side.

Mom was born Mary Barbara Heilig in Reading PA on October 29, 1930 to Russell and Mary Willson Heilig. She grew up in Reading later living in New Jersey, Massachusetts and ultimately settling in Milford in 1964.

In 1973 Mom was working temp jobs when she accepted an assignment at BIC Pen. That temporary assignment turned into a 20-year career at BIC.

One day she was summoned to Bruno Bich's office. She was so afraid. What did she do that would cause her to be called to Bruno's office? As it turned out he had heard that we had an extra bedroom and he was looking for a room and board situation for a French student coming for the summer to intern at BIC.

Money was tight so she thought why not, plus it would be fun. Fun it was for she hosted many more interns over the years, traveled to France several times and developed long lasting friendships.

Mom also loved Italy, traveling to Rome, Venice, the Marche Region and the Amalfi Coast. It was in Rome where we had the infamous accident when our taxi t-boned another car and Mom broke her arm. Thankfully our friend Neva and her husband Rich came to the ER where Neva translated and Rich kept me company while Mom got her arm set. She came home with a big cast signed by the hospital staff.

Mom was a tireless advocate for insurance coverage for TMJ. She worked with Jim Amman in the CT legislature to require coverage and was president of the CT TMJ association. She traveled to Washington to meet with members of Congress and the NIH to discuss issues related to the recall of the implants in her jaw.

In her later years Mom struggled with COPD and macular degeneration but still enjoyed weekly lunches at Jeffrey's and Rainbow Gardens as well as times with friends.

Mom and I are lucky to have the best friends who are our family. Thank you to everyone for the many years of fun and friendship. She and I have been so blessed to have your support, especially as her journey was ending.

A special thanks to her aide Juana for being our angel for the last 18 months. During this time Juana has become family. Also, Nurse Sandy who has been there for Mom and has provided comfort and guidance to me.

And finally, Sandra and the staff at Compassus who have provided Mom with exceptional care. We have known Nurse Sandra for many years going back to her pre-nursing days as a waitress at Jeffrey's. She has been both nurse and friend to Mom.

As she requested there will be no wake or funeral but instead ask that she be cremated, buried in Milford Cemetery and there be a celebration of her life.

Let's raise a toast to a life well lived now and at a celebration when Covid and the weather allow.

Please note that many flowers/plants are toxic to the cats, so I am not able to have them in the house.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name can be made to Halfway Home Rescue the place where we adopted Cooper and Tucker.
PO Box 712
North Haven, CT 06473