Doris(Dody) Rita Cannon Simons, an Area Resident, Dies at 96

Doris(Dody) Rita Cannon Simons, age 96, died at home on March 27, 2017. She was born in Whitehall, N.Y., August 30, 1920 to Daniel and Harriet Cannon. Mrs. Simons graduated from Whitehall High School. She graduated from The College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y. in 1944 with a B.A. in Music Education and subsequently obtained Masters Degrees in Education, English and Special Education at SUNY New Paltz. Doris began her career as a music teacher at Fultonville High School. In 1947 she accepted the position of supervisor of elementary music moving to the Wappingers Central School District, from which she retired in 1984. She taught at several schools in the district and helped to open Fishkill Plains school. Following retirement she volunteered at St. Mary's School, Wappingers Falls NY running the annual Christmas pageant and other programs. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Wappingers Falls, and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Wappingers Falls. On August 28, 1948, she married Edward Simons at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Whitehall, N.Y, who preceded her in death. Survivors include her children, Edward Daniel(Maureen) Simons of Wappingers Falls, and John Patrick (Kim) Simons Wappingers Falls, and four grandsons, Joshua (Christine), John Sal, Edward Daniel and Mark. She had a daughter, Doris Rita, who preceded her in death. Dody loved teaching and her students were "her kids". For many years she played the organ at St. Mary's Church and Mt. Alvernia, including countless masses, funerals, weddings and other services. She was a avid Jet fan and attended home games for many seasons. Doty enjoyed winters in Palm Harbor and New Port Richey, Fla. She will be greatly missed by her former students, friends and family. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 PM at Delehanty Funeral Home 64 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls, A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 AM on thursday, March 30, at ST. Mary's Church, Wappingers Falls. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601. To send a condolence or for directions, visit www.delehantyfuneral.com