Eleanor Simms

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Eleanor Simms, announces her peaceful passing on March 3,2026 at the age of 98.

Eleanor was born Eleanora Westerband on November 5, 1927, to the late Elias Westerband and Mary Rebecca Richards, in Christiansted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. She was the youngest of four brothers, Oliver, Octavius, Arthur, Halvor, and three sisters, Mirriam, Cynthia, and Edna.

Eleanor married the love of her life, Perry F. Simms Sr., on September 1, 1950. Together they built a beautiful life centered around their children, Mary, Perry Jr and Deborah.

Eleanor was a vibrant, outspoken, and meticulous woman, known for her no-nonsense spirit, sharp wit, and boundless energy. Even at 98, she carried herself with a lively presence that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking, shopping, and always looking her very best. She was a mother and housewife until her children were older. Eleanor worked at The New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hospital, NYC as a central supply supervisor and later at formally known Leroy Hospital, Queen, NY, where she retired.

After retirement, Eleanor and Buster relocated to St. Croix, where they built a beautiful retirement home in paradise. After Buster’s illness and passing, she relocated to Georgia. There she was an active member of the Cobb County Senior Center and Red Hatters – Sassy Classy Ladies. She learned how to do the electric slide, played bingo and went on trips to the casino.

Eleanor was proceeded in death by her husband Perry(Buster) and son Perry Jr. Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Mary Simms Remsen (Ronald) and Deborah Simms – Bowles, her grandchildren, Michele (Douglas), Stephanie, Christopher, great grandchildren, Maurice, Darien, Xavier, great great grandchildren, Tre, Darien Jr, Maurice Jr, Zuri, and Milahni; one sister in-law Bernice Simms, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Because we know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, we honor Eleanor’s spirit and celebrate her life today. To God be the glory!

Friends may visit with the family Friday, March 27th from 3-6pm in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640 and on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home. Interment immediately to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery La Plata, MD. 

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream