Catherine "Kate" (Lubus) Simmons, 54, of Newtown, wife of the late Keith J. Simmons, died February 26 at Danbury Hospital. She was born in Danbury on August 7, 1962, daughter of Hickey Jack Lubus of Hawleyville, and the late Joan (Telenko) Lubus.

A lifelong area resident, she attended St Margaret-McTernan School, Chase Collegiate School, Canterbury School, and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. An accomplished and recognized culinary chef, Ms Simmons was last employed with Unimin Corporation of New Canaan.

She enjoyed fine art, sculptures, teddy bears, and loved animals. Ms Simmons was a member of St Anthony Maronite Catholic Church of Danbury.

She expressed her love for her friends, family, father, and her late mother very often and were her final words as her early life's journey came full circle. Ms Simmons loved life, lived life, and celebrated life. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her and will live forever in the hearts and minds of her family and friends.

Her father, several aunts, uncles, and cousins survive her. She also leaves behind her dog.

Graveside funeral services and burial will take place Wednesday, March 1, at 12:30 pm, in the Newtown Village Cemetery, Elm Drive and Hawley Road, Newtown, with Father Naji Kiwan officiating.

The family will receive friends at the time of services.

Contributions in Ms Simmons' memory may be made to the Newtown Police Department K-9 Unit, 3 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470; or to the Newtown Animal Control Shelter, 21 Old Farm Road, Newtown CT 06470.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home of Danbury is in charge of arrangements.