3 minute read
Rosemary “Rary” Bernheim Simmons
Remembering a community leader.
A 67-year San Gabriel Valley resident, Rosemary “Rary” Bernheim Simmons, passed away on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. During her lifetime, Rary served on the boards of numerous local organizations — including Huntington Hospital — and always led with a passion for serving her community.
In 1953, Rary graduated with a degree in psychology from Occidental College. During the summer of 1948, she met Frank Simmons on Balboa Island, and they were married on June 6, 1952, in Beverly Hills. They settled in San Marino in 1954 — at which time they started their family and their shared lifelong commitment to their community.
Rary was selected to fill a vacancy on the San Marino City Council in 1982. She was the first woman council member and, in 1986, became San Marino’s first woman mayor. In 1992, she was asked to join the board of Huntington Hospital, and ultimately became the hospital’s first emeritus board member. She also served as the chair of our philanthropy committee for many years — helping to raise millions toward our comprehensive array of services. During her lifetime, Rary was a generous Huntington Hospital donor herself. In addition, she made a significant contribution to the hospital through her estate.
“When Rary was committed to something, she gave it her all,” says Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO. “That dedication extended to Huntington Hospital, and we will forever be grateful for her commitment to our work.”
In addition to her service to Huntington Hospital, Rary was an emerita member on the Occidental College Board of Trustees for nearly three decades. Among her favorite volunteer jobs was the opportunity to serve as schedule person for the volunteers at the L.A. Coliseum Hospitality tent during the 1984 Olympics. Numerous additional board and advisory committee roles round out her resume, including those at Cancer Support Community, San Marino’s Hill-Harbison House, Hathaway-Sycamores Child & Family Services and Hillsides.
Rary was preceded in death by her son, Eric “Ricky,” and her husband, Frank. She is survived by her brother Bernard Bernheim, her five children Frank, Greg, Bart, Ann and Evelyn, and six grandchildren.
We are deeply grateful for Rary’s invaluable contributions to Huntington Hospital. Our community will miss the presence of her positive, charitable spirit.
Please visit https://giving.huntingtonhospital.com/donate if you would like to make a gift to Huntington Hospital to honor the memory of a loved one.
