Home News Tillie Tooter’s Family Shares Their Pain

Tillie Tooter’s Family Shares Their Pain

Tillie Tooter holding grandson Eric Simms hand, about 90 minutes before her passing. "Thank you to my wife for taking this picture. This is an emotionally powerful picture.” - Eric Simms (Facebook)

By Terri Lynn, SouthFloridaReporter.com, Managing Editor, Aug 2, 2015 – Tillie Tooter,the feisty grandmother from Pembroke Pines, died on Saturday,  August 1, just two months short of her 99th birthday.

Tillie became a household name, 15 years ago,  when her car went off the side of a major highway landing in the trees below.

Days later, rescuers discovered the wreckage of her car and Tillie, alive,  inside.

Tiliie’s story of determination and her will to live left a lasting impression on our South Florida community, the nation and the world.

The following is an excerpt from her grandson, Eric Simms’, Facebook page:

“Yesterday was one of the toughest days I ever had to endure. I was going to say goodbye to someone who meant the world to me. I am lucky to have had my grandmother in my life for 46 years. It was a race against time. I am glad I made it. I knew she was waiting for me. She knew I was there in her semi conscious state. With whatever little strength she had left she moved her fingers which I went to hold. I began reminiscing about all the fun times we had. In the end I thanked her, gave her a kiss and said it was OK. About 90 minutes later, we got the call.

Eric and tillie
Tillie Tooter and grandson Eric Simms (Facebook)

On Sunday, August 2,  Eric Simms posted the following update….

“Thank you to everyone that reached out to my family and I during this tough ordeal. The kindness, warmth and HUMANITY shown to us was overwhelming.

Grandma Tillie was a special special lady. She had a way of touching everyone she met. Your spirit will live on with your family for a long time.

The funeral for Grandma Tillie will be held Thursday in New Jersey. This will be a private funeral, for family only,  as per the wishes of our family–please respect that.”

Terri Lynn has earned a reputation as a dynamo in the fast-past world of high profile public relations. Her blue chip press contacts, dazzling creativity and unstoppable determination, combined with superb writing skills, consistently produces extensive media coverage for her clients. She’s regarded as tenacious, persuasive and always gets the job done!