Polly Marie (Terry) Simmes

Polly Marie (Terry) Simmes, 66, of Whitehall, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 25, 2024, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by her children, after a long battle with illness.

Born on January 28, 1958, to the late Gene and Jean (Townsend) Terry, Polly was a force of nature. Outspoken, hardheaded, and ever so stubborn, she lived life on her own terms. Beneath her fiery spirit was a heart that loved deeply and unconditionally. She was a mother, daughter, sister, wife, aunt, and friend—but above all else, she was “Mamma.”

Polly was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Golden, with whom she shared four years of marriage; her second husband, Thomas Simmes, with whom she shared 16 years of love; her parents, Gene and Jean; and her eldest son, Scott Golden.

She leaves behind her devoted companion of almost 30 years, Ron Munger, and her children, Terri (Scott) Buckner of Pleasant Valley, NY; Thomas (Sara) Simmes of Mechanicsville, NY; Timothy (Samantha) Simmes of Whitehall, NY; Heather (Scott) Lyndsay of Hudson Falls, NY; Ryan (Stephanie) Munger of Hudson Falls, NY, and Damion (Heidi) Clements of Massachusetts. 

Polly is also survived by her brother, Peter (Betty) Terry and two sisters, Penny (John) Austin and Deb (Butch) Crandle, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren, each of whom she loved beyond measure and cherished deeply.

In addition to spending time with her grandchildren, Polly enjoyed the outdoors, spending time up at the hunting camp with the guys, playing cards (where she was known for her trash-talking), and watching her favorite John Wayne films. An avid pool player, Polly spent many years competing in a women’s pool league, a passion that brought her great joy.

Family and friends may call from 3 PM to 6 PM on Friday January 3, 2025 at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams St, Whitehall, NY. The family welcomes all who knew Polly to join them in celebrating her memory.

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