Clara Ann Thomas Simmons

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Clara Ann Thomas Simmons, of Chestertown, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2008.

A native of Johnstown, Pa., she attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and worked for the OSS during World War II.

After the war, she attended and graduated from Miami University of Ohio.

Clara Ann moved to Chestertown in 1951, soon beginning her life of community and volunteer service.

Her first volunteer effort was with the Welcome Wagon program.

She was also involved with the Nearly New Shop of the Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital Auxiliary program.

From the late 1950s to mid-1960, she ran the Selective Service office in Chestertown.

In 1963, Clara Ann opened The Village Toggery, a clothing store for children and women, located in Chestertown, which she owned until the late 1970s.

During that time, Clara Ann was very actively involved with the Downtown Chestertown Association.

The farmer's market, held in Fountain Park was her idea.

The original re-enactment of the Chestertown Tea Party was largely due to the efforts of Clara Ann, Louis Anthony, Walt Volker, and Sonny Usilton.

Clara Ann had then Maryland Governor Harry Hughes and his wife in the first Tea Party parade.

Annually she watched the parade, cheering always for the Kent County Community Marching Band. The downtown Crazy Daze Sale, held each year, was another of Clara Ann's planning efforts.

She was one of the original Friends of the Kent County Public Library and also was a former president of the Kent County Bird Club.

An avid gardener, she designed her gardens to attract both birds and other wildlife.

In the late 1970s, Clara Ann began a career with the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C., commuting from her home in Chestertown.

In 1985, Clara Ann earned her well deserved retirement, yet she worked part-time at the White Swan Tavern from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s.

An avid reader and lover of the English language, Clara Ann was involved for several years in teaching adults to read through adult literacy programs.

She also read to children in an area day care center for two years.

Writing throughout her life, Clara Ann was a published author of several children's books.

She was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth H. Thomas; and a brother, William R. Thomas III.

She is survived by her daughters, Elisabeth M. Simmons of Wilmington, and Ellen C. Simmons and her husband, Kenneth D. Ross of Chandler, Ariz.

Donations may be made in her name to the Queen Anne's County Arts Council, P.O. Box 218 Centreville, MD 21617.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home Chestertown, MD.

On-line condolences may be sent via www.fhnfuneralhome.com.