Racine- Geraldine Elizabeth (nee: Chapman) Simon, 82, found peace on Thursday, April 20, 2006 at United Health System-Kenosha Medical Center following a courageous battle with CNS Lymphoma. A lifetime resident, Gerry was born in Racine on October 25, 1923 to the late Harry W. and Eleanor (nee: Lauer) Chapman. She was a 1941 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. On May 14, 1949 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with William Bernard Simon, who preceded her in death on February 18, 2001. Prior to their marriage, Gerry was employed as a bookkeeper at Andis and SC Johnson. She was a longtime devoted and faithful member of St. Edward Catholic Church where she was active with the Altar Sodality and Christian Mothers Honor Guard. Gerry was also a member of the Women’s Order of Catholic Foresters, Women Civic Council and the EMBA. An excellent seamstress, Gerry enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting. Over the years, she hand-crafted countless afghans, sweaters, gloves and hats that family and friends will treasure for many years to come. Above all, Gerry was a tireless wife, mother and grandmother who always placed her family first. May she rest in peace! Surviving are her cherished children, Mary Bielefeldt, Gerald (Shirley) Simon, Carl (Kim) Simon, all of Racine; Therese Metzger of Union Grove; Catherine (Don) Adamczyk of Racine; Thomas (Kathy) Simon of Cedarburg; Bea (Doug) Pahl of Breezy Point, MN; Edward (Joan) Simon; Gregory (Lyn) Simon and Christopher (Mary) Simon, all of Racine; daughter-in-law, Julie Simon of Sun Prairie; 25 adored grandchildren; 8 dear great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard (Beverly) Simon of Racine; sister-in-law, Helen Westrich of Niagra; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents and husband, Gerry was preceded in death by her infant son, William Francis Simon; son, Donald Simon on June 2, 2004; brothers, Harold (Margaret) Chapman and Clarence (Gertrude) Chapman; sister, Alvina (John) Dopke; and brother-in-law, Henry Westrich. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 11:30 am in St. Edward Catholic Church, 1403 Grove Avenue, with Rev. Lawrence J. Chapman (Gerry’s nephew) officiating. Entombment will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 am. In memory of Gerry, memorials to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane and the entire staff of Oncology Alliance; to everyone at Kenosha Medical Center, especially 7th Floor and Emergency Room; and to all the fine people at Washington Manor, especially the west wing; for the compassionate care and wonderful support that was so warmly extended to our Mom and to our family. God bless all of you!
Gregory J. Simon says