Mary Field Simms

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Field Simms following a short but mighty fight against cancer. Though she is gone far too soon, may we all find comfort knowing that she found her freedom while surrounded by family.

Mary, Maria, Mom, Tante, Aw: just some of the many names used by those who loved her dearly. Born to Albert and Barbara Simms in Albuquerque, NM on July 24, 1955, Mary was the youngest of five children. She had a beautiful childhood raised by adoring parents who often called her “Maria.” As the baby of the family, Mary was brought up following her older siblings who doted on her, playfully teased her, helped hone her wit, and taught her to be ready for anything (including the occasional bb shot at her feet). Mary remained at home as each of her siblings eventually went off to boarding school and college. Her family was deeply involved in building up the educational opportunities in Albuquerque, and it just so turned out that in 1966 Mary entered 6th grade as the first student at the school her mother founded, Sandia School for Girls (now Sandia Preparatory School). There, she made lifelong friends and nurtured her extreme intelligence. Following her graduation in 1973, Mary attended the University of New Mexico and ultimately earned her degree from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University in 1979. While in Nashville, Mary met the love of her life and soon married Rex Holland, Jr.

In 1979, Mary became Mom. Her darling Hanna was born in Nashville, and not long after she and Rex decided to return to Albuquerque to raise their family. Mom made our house into a home, committing much of her time to its maintenance and beautification. She became a skilled gardener and loved spending her weekends pruning her roses in the sunshine. There was always an amazing aroma coming from her kitchen, as she was a stupendous cook. In 1983, her precious Katie was born and our little family was complete. Mom was the most wonderful mother a child could ask for, always there by our sides with a helping hand, smile, laugh, hug, and kiss. She ran the “popsicle house” in our very 80’s neighborhood where multiple children ran in the front door, said hello, grabbed a treat, and ran back out into the front or back yard to rejoin the fray. It was magical, and it was all Mom’s doing. She taught us manners and how to write a beautiful letter, but she also taught us the value of sarcasm and colorful language. She taught us how to be ladies but also how to gut a fish. Mom made genuine friendships with people in all places, teaching us the values of kindness, respect, and loyalty. She volunteered at our school to be closer to us, instilled in us a love of learning, and made sure we did our homework well. Around this time, Mom started substitute teaching as well as spending some time at the family office building downtown, helping when and where she was needed. Fast forward several years past a few life changes, Mom metamorphosed into the fiercely independent, capable, and amazing building manager and friend her tenants and associates came to know and love. Now, about thirty years later, many affiliated with The Insurance Building considered her a dear friend, confidant, “therapist”, mentor, and to some she was even like a second “Mom.”

Throughout her life, Mary was very close with her siblings whom she loved unconditionally, and as their families grew so did her love. She became Tante as a teenager when her first nephew was born. To most of her many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces/nephews she was Tante, though she was also Aunt Mary and Aunt Mamie. She loved each of them fully and equally, and was always there to answer the phone, answer the door, or answer the call to help. She loved to support, root for, and build up her family, but more than that Tante loved to laugh with them.

Of all her roles and titles, the one she loved most was Aw. With the name given to her by her eldest grandchild, she was Aw to her five grandchildren, Ben, Abby, Bailey, Adelie and Naomi. Ranging in age from 20 down to 7, Aw’s grandbabies were the highlight of her life. She would have moved Heaven and Earth for them, and did an amazing job always being their advocate even if that meant taking on her own children. She resurrected the “popsicle house” for them, making sure that her home was always a safe and comfortable place where they could come to enjoy a sweet treat, have fun, and maybe even get away with being a little naughty. Her grandchildren are likely the ones who will miss her the most, as out of all of us they had the most yet to gain from her presence. There were lessons still to be learned under her guidance, experiences still to be shared, and memories to be made together. However, as they have been told, her love did not die with her; it remains here with us.

As such, we must all continue in our grief to remember that she left her love here with all of us. Our Mary, Maria, Mom, Tante, Aw. A private gathering to celebrate her beautiful life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for yourself or someone else in her memory. Treat yourself to an enchilada (she was partial to Padilla’s and Duran’s), or a cold drink from Starbucks. Eat some Fritos. Spend some time planting something beautiful, sitting in the sun, or going fishing. Call and spend an hour on the phone with someone you love. Remember to love life as Mary did. Today, tomorrow, and always.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Albert G. Simms II; her eldest siblings, Albert G. Simms III and Leslie Ann Simms; her nephew Jesse Simms; and her ex-husband Rex Holland, Jr. She is survived by her siblings Margaret C. Simms and Frank Y. Simms (Nolene); her daughters Hanna Myers (Roby) and Katie Maurer (Lance); her grandchildren Benjamin McCabe, Abbygayle Myers, Bailey McCabe, Adelie Maurer, and Naomi Maurer; and her many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.