Obituary of Clarissa Lynne Simmons

Lynne Simmons, of Great Falls, VA died Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the age of 72 after a three year battle with multiple myeloma/plasma cytoma cancer. A native of Ellenville, New York, she was born to Alfred and Sally Greenwood. She graduated from American University, Washington, DC, where she majored in Interior Design and Education. Lynne met her husband Larry Simmons of Riverview, Michigan in the mid 1960's where she attended high school. They were later married on August 28, 1965. They moved to Northern Virginia in the late 1960's where Lynne became a long time resident of Great Falls. Lynne was a creative, experienced educator and very successful businesswoman. She was a true visionary, a role model for many, and the strong woman behind Village Green Day School. She originally co-founded the Center for Early Education in 1975, which quickly outgrew the space where it was located. Lynne and her late husband, Larry Simmons, then opened the Great Falls Village Green Day School in Great Falls in 1979. In 1997, Lynne, Larry, and their son, Ian, built and opened Village Green Day School at Lowes Island in Potomac Falls. It was through Lynne's guiding hand and her insight into early childhood education and employee achievement, that the schools became the successful programs that they are today. Village Green was created with a core purpose "To make a significant contribution to society through educational excellence". The schools are a product of Lynne's life's work. They embody the mission Lynne created collaboratively with her husband, son and staff. To this day, they are wonderful places, "Where Learning Feels Like Family". Lynne has left an amazing legacy. She was one of the most loved and respected citizens of Great Falls. She participated in many charity events and served in numerous volunteer positions within the community and at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Lynne was also a volunteer at Wolf Trap and would have celebrated 40 years of service this summer. Lynne is survived by her son, Ian, daughter-in-law Cyndi, grandson, Harrison of Arlington, VA, brother, Al Greenwood of Bonita Springs, FL, and many adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Her late husband Larry predeceased her in October, 2007 as well as her daughter, Jill, in July, 1987. Many family members, friends and children have lost a magnificent, warm, elegant, loving, and respected lady. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. Lynne will be at rest in the Sanctuary, and the family will welcome guests in the Fellowship Hall. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066, or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (on memo line, specify "for research"), 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.