Linda M. Simmons

Dear Campus Community,

I write today to share the sad news that Linda M. Simmons, 56, a longtime member of our Dining Services team, passed away Friday after facing cancer with courage and grace.

For decades, Linda was a steady and welcoming presence on our campus, most recently at Spartacus Café. Many came to know Linda not just as a familiar face, but as someone who genuinely cared about the students and employees she served. She will be dearly missed.

Linda met her longtime companion, Kirk S. Davis, while he was serving in the United States Army and stationed at Fort Drum. They had been together since 2008. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially trips to the casino. Linda and Kirk were members of the Northern New York Shuffleboard Association and spent many happy hours playing together. She recently became a member of Order of the Eastern Star-Bethany Chapter No. 343.

Linda is survived by her longtime companion, Kirk S. Davis; his daughter, Christina Davis; and two grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings, along with several nieces and nephews and her beloved cat, “Fat Cat.”

For students: if over the weekend you would like counseling support related to Linda’s passing, please contact the 24/7 Crisis and Counseling Helpline at 315-229-1914 or email ttent@stlawu.edu to arrange an appointment. On Monday, students can call the Counseling Center at 315-229-5392 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule a visit. Please remember that same-day urgent appointments are available, and the SLU Crisis and Counseling Helpline can be reached at any time, from any location. 

The Chaplain’s Office is also available for support and can be reached by emailing swhitehead@stlawu.edu. 

Employees may access counseling services through St. Lawrence University’s EAP program by calling (800) 327-2255 or logging on at www.nexgeneap.com. 

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 2-4 p.m. at Bruce Funeral Home, 131 Maple Street, Black River, with a funeral service to immediately follow at 4 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring at Purmort Cemetery in DePeyster, N.Y.

On behalf of the entire University, I extend my deepest condolences to Linda’s family, friends, and her colleagues in Dining Services. We hold them in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Please join us in honoring Linda’s life by sharing your memories of her on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.