Mary Lou Simon

She was Grandmother to 13 and great grandmother to 13 as well. She saw no "steps" or "half". You were either family or not.

Mary was born in Eden,Florida, to Mabel C. and James Henry Willmore. She was a twin to Ruby Maddox who preceded her in death. She was raised here in Florida, but had many adventures between here and California with her mother, grandmother, and sister.

She graduated High school, but remained very close to her classmates. She had a monthly lunch date with alumni from her school and had been with them even on Thursday, the 16th for lunch and a wonderful visit.

Mary attended Gallenger Hospital school of nursing, in Washington, DC.while in school, she attended Waugh United Methodist Church and it was there where she met her husband Edward James Simon who preceded her in death(1986)

Mary and Ed married in 1950 at Waugh UMC. They had 7 children, Frank M. Simon, James H. Simon, Edward J.(Bud)Simon, Warren D. Simon, Mabel A. Southerland, Sylvia J. Denney, and Earl P. Simon.

As mother and wife, Mary managed B'days, sports, scouts, parties, vacations, growing pains, heartaches, and watched her children grow up, fall in love and begin their own families as she and Ed had taught them to do. Mary was known as the neighborhood nurse who always had the right touch to make it all better. She NEVER used the "icky" red stuff that burned, and stained your clothes, she had the "good" medicine and good-stick bandaides so you could go right back out and play.

Through all the years of good, bad, and somewhere in between; she rarely complained, or said no when one of her children, family or friends was in need.She was caring, giving, and generous to a fault. Always made herself available to anyone in need.

Mary worked 38 years at DC General Hospital ( old Gallenger) in the neonatal ICU. She loved "her babies" as she called them. She continued to keep in touch with those she worked with, as well.

Mary was very strong and dedicated to her family. She guided her children and encouraged them to follow their dreams; even when that meant they would have to leave her side for a time. She had a quiet dignity about her. Soft spoken almost seeming shy at times, but she could always make her point of view known.

In the early 90's Mary returned to live on the homestead in Eden. She came for short stays at first to see her home, and help care for her mother( Mabel) and her aunts ( Amy Nickerson, and Sarah Babcock). Eventually she stayed full time to attend to their care.

Mary soon met Harry McVay when he came to live on the homestead as well. Harry is related by marriage to Mary's cousin Frank Babcock. He was asked to help with the care of the property, and to be there if needed.

There are no words to express the shock & loss as Mary Simon has passed 2 B w the Lord. When Mary Simon/Harry McVay's 'Significant Other' for 15yrs, was asked if she was an artist, I'd often chime in & say, "She was better, she’s a patron". She is a member of AAMC & JBAL. Her charitable heart extended in several directions & too many. She is much loved at her church, greatly appreciated @ Friends of Savannah Preserve State Park (she managed the Gift Shop). She was on the active CSO (Citizen Support Organization) board member @ Savannah Preserve State Park. From the generous giving of Trinity United Methodist Church congregation, Mary Simon has gathered/delivered 7 tons of food to House of Hope. She gave to so many charities that her mail was a stack of request for donations. She led the Priscilla Circle (women bible study group).She was a member of several committees at Trinity United Methodist Church. One of our art friends Ellen Fischer wrote a most thoughtful response describing her character after having heard the sad news of passing. That day Thursday, we attended her monthly Class of '46 reunion luncheon in Ft. Pierce. There were a record number of attendees. She was a retired nurse. I was blessed with her caring skills. She drove me for yrs. to art paint-outs & art shows, supporting my career.

She was my Good Sumerian (some good Mary). I got to know well her family as she had 7 children (5 sons, 2 daughters). Our vacation was a slow drive exploring back roads as we made our way to her family reunion camping trip in Maryland. Her life is made up of the goodness that offers peace & kindness which is much needed to keep our society together. She was my loving helper reflecting Biblically the purpose of God creating woman. She had an inner beauty - a trophy wife. She was a rough-cut diamond, because our companionship was like we were each other’s 2nd life, I her 2nd husband & she my 2nd wife. I had just told her she was a spiritual person more than me, because she instilled the Biblical description of Love.

Ellen Fischer, good friend & artist responses to Harry McVay in a perceptive & thoughtful writing

It was with shock and sadness that I received news from Harry McVay of Mary Simon's death, which occurred suddenly on Thursday night. I knew Mary through Harry. Our paths would cross at art events and especially paint-outs, where Harry and Mary would always be together: Harry would be painting the local scene and Mary would be nearby, usually absorbed in a book. Mary always struck me as a woman at peace with herself and with the others around her. She was a woman of faith and of principle who lived her values in a gentle, approachable, non-judgmental way. Her serenity spoke eloquently of her virtues. Maybe it was because Mary was a Floridian of pioneer heritage that she seemed to take the long view of everything, had a perspective on this life that few achieve. Maybe that is why being around her made me relax and enjoy the moment with her. My heartfelt sympathies are with her friend and long-time companion and spouse, Harry.

Aycock Funeral Home in Jensen Beach, FL

@1PM to 3PM Viewing

@Trinity United Methodist Church, Savannah Road (next to Post Office) at 4PM Memorial Service & reception.