Carmela Anne (Vaughan) Simonson

Carmela A. Simonson, 68, of Harrisonburg, Virginia passed away on July 15, 2022, after an almost fourteen-year battle with a rare, terminal disease called MSA, (Multiple Systems Atrophy), she, finally stopped fighting this battle on July 15, 2022 in her own home, surrounded by her husband, dedicated hospice team and her most trusted home care professional provider, Cindy.

She was born at Fort Lee, Virginia on October 6, 1953 to Oscar and Nellie (Catania) Vaughan.

Carmela was beloved by many friends throughout the country and world. Carmela enjoyed travel and was always excited for new adventures when opportunities presented themselves. In addition, Carmela excelled as a seamstress, and was proud in making and designing her own clothes while working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (20 years) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (10 years). Carmela retired from the federal government in 2010 after a very distinguished career, receiving many awards and accolades for her outstanding support to various special projects and one particular program, the Air Force’s B-1 Bomber weapon system trainer initiative while working as a systems program manager for the Boeing Company.

Carmela's creativity, loving nature and calm, nurturing strength will be missed by all who knew her, but we are comforted knowing that she has escaped her ailing body and has found peace with her heavenly father, and that she is reunited with her mother Nellie, father Oscar, and brothers, Daniel and Richard.

Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are husband, Dennis Simonson of (52 years) her twin sisters, Linda Vaughan, Lynne Vaughan, and brother James Vaughan.

Carmela will be cremated and her ashes placed in a companion urn awaiting her husband’s death at which time the ashes will be scattered on the grounds of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Lindsey Funeral Home is handling arrangements and condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.