A lifelong Californian and a 67-year resident of San Marino, Rosemary “Rary” Simmons counted decades of selfless service and charitable work among her accomplishments. Her love of the arts, commitment to healthcare, and an ethos of giving back was her driving motivation. A conversation with Rary left one wondering not where she has volunteered her time, but where she has not.
Rosemary Bernheim was born in Los Angeles on February 17, 1931, and attended grade school and high school in Beverly Hills. In 1953, she graduated with a degree in psychology from Occidental College, following in the footsteps of her stepfather and his brothers. The campus’s Stearns Hall was funded by Rary’s family, who also established endowed scholarships that now support more than 30 students. She has been giving back to Occidental since her graduation: Her first gift, to the Oxy Fund, was $5. Later in her life, Rary serves as an Oxy trustee emerita.
During the summer of 1948, Rosemary 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 ever-growing family and their shared lifelong commitment to their community.
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