Essie Van Breemen, 92, of Port Arthur, died on Sunday, June 10, 2012.  Born in Mansfield, Louisiana on September 1, 1919, to Woodie Derrick Simmons and James Preston Simmons, she had been a resident of the area since she was nineteen years of age.

Essie retired from Sabine Towing and Transportation as vice president of personnel.  She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Port Arthur and also Presbyterian Women. Essie enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, gardening, bird watching, and being a member of the Pompano Club.  She was also talented at needlepoint.

Essie is survived by her son, Piet Van Breemen; grandchildren, Jim Van Breemen and Cody Musgrove, all of Lafayette, Louisiana; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Bill Van Breemen.

A gathering of Mrs. Van Breemen’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.  A private family committal will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.