Saratoga Springs, NY - Frances Barbara Peeney Simmons, 69, of Michael Drive, died in her home surrounded by her loving children on Thursday, September 29, 2011, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 25, 1942 in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Franklin Pierce Peeney and Alice Ida DePaulo. Barbara grew up in Albany and graduated from South Colonie High School in 1960. She later married and raised her three daughters in Saratoga Springs. Barbara worked for NYS Dept. of Education from 1960 to 1969 supervising 20 employees. She then worked at Saratoga Hospital until 1981, at which time her employment with the Saratoga Harness Track began. In August of 1988 she was hired back at the Saratoga Hospital in the accounts payable division where she worked until her retirement in April of 2010. Barbara was recognized by the CEO of the hospital in January of 1990 for a suggestion that improved efficiency and saved the hospital money. Barbara coordinated the annual daffodil sale for the American Cancer Society for at least 15 years. She was the loving mother of Darcy A Simmons of Johnstown, NY, Diane M and Matthew Willson of Niskayuna, NY and Stephanie A. and Doug Krantz of Los Alamos, NM. She took great joy in being a Nana to her four beautiful granddaughters Chloe, Kaya, Olivia, and Myella. She was also survived by her loving stepmother Elizabeth Peeney of Port Orange, FL; her 5 brothers; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her stepfather Joseph DePaulo. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful, caring staff at Community Hospice of Saratoga for all the love and support given to them and their mother during this extremely difficult time. Family and friends are invited to call from 11am to 1pm Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, with a memorial service to celebrate Barbaras life at 12:15pm, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Those wishing to remember Barbara in a special way may send a donation in her memory to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.