Westborough – Simmi Doyle (Tankle), 79, of Westborough passed away of heart failure at home on September 20, 2022, with her daughter Susan, niece Naomi, and dear friend and caregiver Victoria by her side. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 55 years, Joseph Doyle.
Simmi was a force to be reckoned with, whether she was advocating for young students in need, lobbying for the rights of women and children, or fighting for her own health. She was an incredibly resilient woman who awoke with a bright smile, even on the toughest of days.
During high school and college, she worked many odd jobs, saving every penny so she could eventually buy a home. One day while delivering the mail at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, she met and was smitten by a charming young man named Joe. They married and were devoted to one another for more than 55 years. Their daughters will always cherish the love and joy their parents shared.
Simmi grew up in Chelsea, where she later worked as a special education teacher. She earned her Master’s degree while working and raising her daughters, and later taught at the Richer Elementary School in Marlborough. She later built a thriving sports photography company while continuing to work as a full-time teacher.
After retiring, Simmi co-founded an Indivisible group of volunteers engaged in progressive advocacy and electoral work. She was committed to protecting the rights of immigrants to this country, lobbying members of Congress and writing letters to the editor to fight for a more inclusive and equitable society.
It was her family that Simmi was most passionate about. They spent many fun days walking on the beach or laughing together on the deck at the Cape. She dedicated her life to her husband Joe and their daughters, serving as a model of hope and determination. She fought for the rights of people with disabilities, including her beloved brother Label. When Joe became ill, she ensured he had all the love and support, including an amazing care team, to keep him comfortable at home. She awoke each day, holding his hand, playing his favorite music, and doing all she could to bring a smile to his face.
Amid this, she fought an extraordinary battle against lymphoma. She continually amazed her friends, family, and medical team with her spirit, laughter, and incredible fortitude. When the disease returned in 2021, she delved into research to find the best treatment option. In the winter of 2021, she and her daughter Leslie temporarily moved across the country to Stanford so she could participate in a Phase 1 clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy. The treatment drove the disease into remission and gave her precious time with family. She is a testament to the power of advocating for your own health. Her brave participation in the trial is advancing science that will help countless others.
She is survived by her daughter Susan Doyle of Westborough and daughter Leslie Doyle and son-in-law Kyle Mann of Sherborn, granddaughter Amber Keig and husband Chad and great-granddaughters Judith and Genevieve of California, sister Marilyn Goldberg of Framingham, sister-in-law BettyAnn Noyes and husband Garry of Waltham, brother-in-law Robert Doyle of Maynard, sister-in-law Patricia McNally and husband John of Gloucester, brother-in-law James Doyle and wife Claire of Hopkinton, brother-in-law Thomas Doyle of Lowell, and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial service for Simmi and Joe will be held outdoors at 11AM on Thursday, September 29 at Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley. Please contact the family for details. Masks and vaccination are required.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
www.westboroughfuneralhome.com
