In loving memory of Marjorie Lou Simmons Botteron, October 16, 1938 - April 19, 2026

Marj was born and raised in Hawthorne CA. She lost her dear mother to cancer when she was only 4 
years old which resulted in her never taking a moment for granted, and cherishing family and friends 
deeply. In her early 20s while working midnights for TWA in LA, she met and married the love of her 
life, Lee Botteron. They soon moved to his hometown of Manchester CT where they lived happily with 
their two children, Margie and Leon.

Growing up, Marj was an excellent student and talented athlete. She attended Pepperdine University in 
CA and later received her Masters in Education from UCONN. For over 30 years, Marj worked for 
Vernon Public Schools in CT teaching kindergarten, 6th and 8th grades and finally US History at 
Rockville HS. Upon retirement, she and Lee moved to Cape Cod, spending summers by the beach and 
winters traveling across the US visiting friends and family, making sure to always stop in Las Vegas 
where they were married. In her later years, Marj split time living with her daughter in Hopkinton MA 
and her son in McKinney TX. 

Marj was ever present at her children’s (and grandchildren’s) activities, concerts, recitals and sporting 
events, and was known as Gram or Mrs B to all. She enjoyed crosswords, quiz shows, romance novels 
and Hallmark movies. Her own movie collection, accumulated over years, rivalled Blockbusters! She 
would never turn down an opportunity to travel. She loved road trips, singing songs in the car and going 
out to eat. She enjoyed the casino and playing her favorite slot machines. She was a loyal friend, and a 
great listener who made everyone feel special. She never missed sending cards for birthdays or special 
occasions. She had a close group of girlfriends that she loved dearly her whole life, and loved swapping 
stories with her “Lunch Bunch”. She was the best mom, loving and forgiving, generous to a fault, 
forever putting others before herself. Her house was always open and frequently full of visitors; all were 
welcome. 

Matriarch of a family she was forever proud of, her survivors include daughter Margie L Grabmeier and 
her husband Joe of Falmouth MA, and son Leon E Botteron and his wife Linda of McKinney TX; 
devoted grandchildren Maggie Grabmeier (and wife Ramona Sharples), Ryan Botteron, Joey 
Grabmeier (and wife Yasmin), Jennie Pfrang (and husband Sam), Eric Botteron (and wife Erica) and 
Angeline Grabmeier; and four cherished great grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving 
siblings, brother Raymond Simmons (and wife Lili) and sister Mary Eva Nelson (and husband Scott). 
She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years Leon W Botteron, mother Marjorie E (Nelson) 
Simmons, father Wesley G Simmons, stepmother Eva M Simmons and grandson Neal W Botteron. 
Marj will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, inlaws, friends, students and others whose 
lives she impacted over the years. Her warmth, smile, faith, sense of humor, generosity, kindness, 
dimples and beautiful blue eyes will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 16th at Trinity Presbyterian Church in 
McKinney TX, followed by a private Celebration of Life. In addition, a Ceremony and Interment will take 
place at The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne MA later this summer at a date and time 
TBD. 
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Marjorie S Botteron to either the Pan-Mass 
Challenge to support cancer research and treatment (donate.pmc.org team name “Just a Bump in the 
Road”), or to the ASPCA