Marilyn Simons Obituary

PEORIA - Marilyn J. Simons, 80, of Peoria died at 1:58 a.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010, in the emergency room of Proctor Hospital in Peoria.

Born June 7, 1929, in Peoria, the daughter of Benjamin J. and Helene G. Kahn Weinstein, she married David B. Simons on Sept. 3, 1950, in Peoria. Her beloved husband died in Peoria on Oct. 1, 2006.

She also was preceded in death by one daughter, Debra Lynn Simons in 1972, and one son-in-law, William G. Hasselbacher.

Surviving are one daughter, Cheryl (Peter) Sanfilip of Peoria, with whom she made her home; one granddaughter, Debra Lynn Hasselbacher of Chicago; and one brother, Dr. Richard (Donna) Weinstein of Peoria.

She was proud to be a lifelong Peorian. Marilyn attended Columbia School and graduated from Peoria High School in 1947. She attended the University of Illinois in Champaign and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority.

Mrs. Simons was a Realtor for Citizens Real Estate in Peoria, a business owned by her father and later owned and operated by her husband. She also spent many happy years working at Palace Gift and China in Peoria. She was later employed by Peoria Public Schools as a teacher's assistant at Trewyn and Harrison schools, retiring in 1994. She loved the children and the many wonderful people she worked with in the schools.

When her daughters were in school, she was an active volunteer in the PTO organizations of Hines and Keller West School. She also served as an active member of the Kickapoo Council of the Girl Scouts of America in Peoria and as a troop leader and neighborhood cookie chairman. She was a past volunteer for the Ladies Auxiliary of Methodist Medical Center and the Friends of Glen Oak Park Zoo in Peoria. She was a member of Congregation Anshai Emeth Temple, where she was an enthusiastic volunteer with Sunday school, temple committees and the Sisterhood of Anshai Emeth. She also was a member of the Hadassah.

Active in civic and charitable organizations throughout the city, she was named one of the community's Woman on the Go in 1965. She was a longtime member of Mount Hawley Country Club.

She loved her family and was very proud of their accomplishments. She had a very special relationship with her granddaughter, Debbie, who was the bright spot in her life. Marilyn believed in the beauty of Debbie's dreams. She enjoyed being surrounded by those she loved. Known as Grammy Marilyn, she was a grammy and friend to many.

She adored the family pets, Coco Chanel the cat, and Chase, the precious Maltese dog.

Marilyn had a terrific sense of humor and was a wonderful sport with her loving husband David's jokes. She enjoyed music, bowling, gardening and cooking. She will be remembered for many delicious brunches and dinners shared with family and friends. She was a loving and giving person whose smile and laugh made others feel special. She was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bulls. Marilyn was loved and admired by her family. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria. Bonnie Fenton will officiate. Visitation will be at the mortuary from 9:30 a.m. until time of the services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.

Memorials may be made to Anshai Emeth Temple, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate or the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter.