Officials with Northfield Park have announced that Patricia ‘Pat’ Simmons, 82, of Stow, Ohio, passed away from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, February 11.

Standardbred racing was a passion in Simmons’ life. She and her husband, Earl, were heavily involved in harness racing – which sparked a job offer from former Northfield Park General Manager John Phillips.

Simmons was a faithful Northfield Park employee for over 40 years. She eventually became the assistant race secretary and worked under the tutelage of Herman Brickel, Dennis Haskell and Gregg Keidel. After working in the race office, Pat did double duty at night, working as a beloved mutuel teller for over a decade under the supervision of current Northfield Park Assistant General Manager Mike Colacarro.

“You don’t find people like Pat every day. People like her are rare,” said Keidel, her boss for over 20 years. “She was a very gracious lady who never said a cross word about anyone.”

In her youth, Simmons was crowned Miss Goodyear Tire. She was also the grandmother of Aaron Merriman and former mother-in-law of Lanny Merriman.

Funeral arrangements are still being made. However, it has been determined that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Simmons.

(With files from Northfield Park)