Amber Marie Simmington

Amber Marie Simmington West Royalston – Amber Marie Simmington, 18, of Athol-Richmond Road (Rt. 32), died in a tragic single-vehicle accident on Rt. 32 just minutes from her home on Friday, September 13, 2013.      She leaves behind her parents, Daniel and Debra Simmington of West Royalston, her two sisters Jessica Smith and her daughter Kassidy and Amanda Smith and her two children Ayden and Lilly.  She also leaves several uncles and aunts, William Simmington of Monte Vista, CO and his family (Bill’s wife Lorraine predeceased him on September 3, 2013), Robert and Kitty Simmington of Winchester, NH, Larry and Cathey Simmington of Orange, Patrick and Karen Budano of CT, Kate and family of AL, Bobby of TN, Bernice of NH and Kathy and family of AZ.  Amber also leaves many cousins from several states.      Amber had a great love for her family, be it going to yard sales or shopping with Mom, or sleeping over at her sister’s houses and just “hanging out.”  She was a recent honor graduate of Athol High School, receiving several scholarships and awards for outstanding achievement.  She loved being on the girl’s volleyball team as number 9, and was the manager for the boy’s volleyball team as well; she was asked to return as manager for the volleyball team this year as she entered her first year at Mt. Wachusett Community College in Gardner.    Amber had great personal and school spirit.      Amber had many interests.  She had a fantastic artistic free-hand drawing ability, be it sketches of mountain and valley scenes, castles, or fashion drawings.  She greatly enjoyed being involved in church activities.  Her first 17 years were as a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, led by Pastor Eric May and his wife Cally.  Amber loved the vacation bible school programs each year and especially enjoyed bible camp in Jaffrey, NH.  When she became too old as a VBS participant, she became a volunteer helper.  A few months ago, Amber and her parents began attending the Athol-Orange Baptist Church in Athol.  Several years earlier, Amber became involved in the AOBC Awana Program, having been invited by her friend Ruth White.  She loved it, and received several awards and certificates for achievement.  She was looking forward to joining AOBC, and thoroughly enjoyed Rev. Mark Bariloni’s messages.   She loved her many friends and church families of the Athol-Orange Baptist Church, the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Swanzey, NH and Bethel Bible Church of Surry, NH where our friends Pastor Craig Fisher and his wife Kim minister with their children.        Amber loved her blue Ford pick-up truck and her boyfriend Brandon Thomas; she loved driving around with Brandon and swimming at Tully Lake.  She liked collecting key chains, taking walks in the woods around her home and occasionally shooting her bow and air-soft pistols with her Dad.  Several trips up into the White Mountains of NH were very special to her, be it Story Land in Glen or Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln.        Amber’s passions included playing the piano and her lessons with Mrs. Janet Paoletti; listening to country music and watching Pirates of the Carribean series movies.  She was recently enrolled in Mt. Wachusett Community College in the Automotive Technology Technician Program, so she could “fix-up” her own truck and hope to be a racer someday.  Amber loved all animals, especially wolves.        Amber will be remembered for her very sweet, kind, understanding, non-judgmental personality.  She was a great encourager and peacemaker – she always sought to find the best in people and make people happy.  She had the highest respect and love for her friends:  Lori Blanchard, Brandon, Mariah, Justin and everyone whose lives she touched.  She loved you guys to the fullest!      Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol, MA with her father Daniel C. Simmington officiating and Rev. Mark D. Bariloni assisting.  Burial will be Sunday September 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Maple Cemetery on Route 32 in West Royalston.  Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Amber’s name to the Athol High School Athletic Association, Volleyball Department, c/o David King, 2363 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331 or the Athol Animal Shelter, For the Care of Animals, c/o Athol Police Department, 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA 01331.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });