Caro A. Simonds, 86, of Bradford, PA passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 in the arms of Jesus; meeting her family in Heaven, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

She was born on January 19, 1938 in Bradford, the last of the thirteen children of Grant and Ella Huntoon Work.

She attended Bradford Area Schools and was a graduate of the BOCES School of Nursing, Olean, NY.

On October 18, 1955 in the former Lutheran Church on Jerome Ave., Bradford, she married Lester L. Simonds, who survives.

She was employed as an LPN at the Bradford Regional Medical Center for twenty-seven years until her retirement in 2005.  She was fondly known as the singing nurse by her patients and coworkers.  She was also the hospital’s first Employee of the Month.

She was a member of the Evans Memorial United Methodist Church and attended the Hilltop Baptist Church.  Caro enjoyed playing Pokeno with her lady friends and she also loved caring for others.  The most important thing in her life was her family and she loved spending time with them.  Those that knew her know that she loved life and she lived it to the fullest.

In addition to her husband of 68 years, Lester Simonds of Bradford, she is also survived by five children, Judy (David) Crooks of Gifford, Lester (Penny) Simonds, Jr. of Bradford, Betty (Steve) Simmons of Cool Springs, Sharon Morris of Derrick City and Sonia (Mark) Havers of Smethport; eighteen grandchildren; fifty-two great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and twelve siblings, she was also preceded in death by one son, Lawrence J. Simonds; two stillborn children, Donald and Tonia Simonds and one son-in-law, Ronald Morris.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. from 3:00 to 5:00 PM with a funeral service to immediately follow at 5:00 in the funeral home with the Rev. Max Simms of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children—Erie Development and Donor Relations Department, 1645 West 8^th Street, Erie, PA  16505 or to the Hilltop Baptist Church, P.O. Box 76, Gifford, PA  16732.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.  

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.