The Berkeley Family mourns the loss of our esteemed former Principal, Mrs. Michelle Simmons (formerly Gabisi). 

We are very deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Michelle Simmons.

She first taught at The Berkeley Institute in the 1970's, then taught in London and Nigeria before returning to Bermuda as Head of the Senior Department at Bermuda High School. She became the first female Principal of The Berkeley Institute in 1993, holding the post for 21 years.

In May of this year The Berkeley Educational Society was honoured to unveil portraits of the two most recent past principals of The Berkeley Institute, Mrs. Simmons and her successor Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, painted by Mr. Otto Trott. We are happy that we were able to acknowledge and celebrate them during that ceremony. Mrs. Simmons and her husband, Rev. Dr. Erskine Simmons have been great assets to The Berkeley Educational Society over the years.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, sister Ms. Sonia Grant, and extended family.

This is another blow to The Berkeley family, as we have lost my predecessor Mr. Sinclair White, one of our eldest Berkeleyites, Mrs. Joan Dismont, and former PLP MP and member of The Berkeley Educational Society Mr. Stanley Morton.

I attended The Berkeley when Mrs. Simmons' predecessor was the Principal. I met Mrs. Simmons during her tenure as the Head of the Senior Department at BHS, when I attended their senior year programme after graduating from The Berkeley Institute. Unbeknownst to me, she knew me, as she was a former classmate of my father's when they attended The Central School (now Victor Scott Primary). From humble beginnings to her positions in education locally and abroad, and later as a Senator of Bermuda, she has indeed served the community well.

On behalf of The Berkeley Educational Society, my family and myself, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Simmons' family.

Respice Finem 💚 💛 💚 💛

Anika M DeShields
Chairperson, The Berkeley Educational Society