Grace Margeth Simon, a proud mother of three sons and a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Stratford for 50 years, died Wednesday, May 4, at her home in Stratford. She was 94.
Grace Simon moved to Stratford in May 1966 with her sons, James, Robert and Gregg, following the death of her husband, George. She volunteered for more than 30 years at the Christ Episcopal Church's Golden Rooster Shop, where she served as manager and bookkeeper. She was constantly in search of ways to help others, whether by serving Meals On Wheels to shut-ins, or volunteering at the old American Red Cross building across from Christ Episcopal Church.
Grace was born August 7, 1921, in Clifton, N.J. to Lawrence and Elvira Heiden. She was a first generation American who was suddenly thrust into coping with the Great Depression, along with sisters Ruth, Edith and Olive, and brothers Stan and Harry.
Upon her graduation from Clifton High School, she was urged by her teachers to become a school teacher herself. Instead, she needed to work to help support her family. Starting at age 17, she commuted to Lower Manhattan to work as an editorial assistant for This Week magazine, a popular insert for Sunday newspapers nationwide. Although she never fulfilled her dream of becoming a public school teacher, she taught so much to all who met her.
Her brother Stan introduced Grace to the man who would become the love of her life, George Simon, and they married April 15, 1944 in Louisville, Ky., while he was on furlough from the Army on a tour of Europe during World War II. Upon his discharge, they lived in Clifton where Grace gave birth to her three sons. After moving to Hershey Pa. in 1964, she was widowed when George died, and she moved her family to the Lordship section of Stratford in May 1966, where she died in her home exactly 50 years later.
Grace was a role model, a woman who lived the Golden Rule through her faith, her family, and through service to others. She put family and faith first above all else.
She was a proud member of the Christ Episcopal Church Vestry, an active member of Protect Your Environment in Lordship and a Cub Scout den mother. She delivered endless casseroles to the homes of friends who lost a loved one or needed someone to listen and provide comfort.
Grace was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by her sons; daughters-in-law Karen, Lori and Colleen; and grandchildren Andrew, Caity, Meagan, Christopher, Amanda, and Becky.
The Simon family would like to publicly thank her two caregivers, Patricia and Felicia, kind women who made her final years at home more comfortable and safe, and the astonishing workers at Vitas Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 7, At Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 Main St., Stratford, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Scott Lee officiating. Interment will be held privately in Union Cemetery, Stratford. There will be no prior calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donation be made to Christ Episcopal Church or to Vitas Hospice, 99 Hawley Lane, Stratford CT 06615. For online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com.