Blendora Simoni

If you didn't know my mom, she was a very special person, a chatty people-magnet who was loved, admired and wise...and throughout her life, continually sacrificed herself for others.

I saw it all because it was part of my life too, I watched her always fight for the underdog and be the first to help, feed, clothe, house and care for any person or animal that needed help. She was always the first person there to physically, financially and emotionally support...even for people she barely knew. She never asked anyone what they needed, she just knew and showed up with delicious home cooked meals and whatever else would help...and often, invited them into our home. And her wisdom and insight helped many.

Born in East Liverpool, Ohio in 1931 to Alex and Elizabeth Vallese, the middle child of ten children in a first generation Italian-American immigrant family. Growing up in an impoverished household with a father who died young, my mom had a very difficult upbringing and early life. Forced out of her house at 19, pregnant by a man she thought she was marrying...to be left by him and the baby taken from her and put up for adoption. And then left on her own to pick up the pieces and take on life.

She married my dad Eugene (Geno) Simoni in 1955 and moved from Aliquippa, PA to Ontario to follow family and start a new life. While my dad worked in construction and later aerospace at Louds / Howmet in Pomona, CA my mom found her first job at a dress shop in downtown Ontario and then moved on to the General Electric Iron Plant.

Having her baby taken from her was one of the most tragic events of her life and never left her mind. But the blessings came in both my adoption and later, in the re-connection with her lost son Joel. A connection that came because she had placed a letter to him in his adoption file.

Later, she would manage the hair salon at JC Penney's in the Montclair Plaza...before finding her most beloved career, Real Estate. For years, she was an amazing real estate agent and I learned a lot from watching and listening to her. She worked first for Forecast Realty, then Jim Jeffries Realty in Ontario...later moving on to McNay Realty on Red Hill.

My dad built our three story, Spanish style dream home on Hidden Farm Road in Alta Loma and we spent ten very happy years there with our three dogs.

My dad started Simoni Construction with my uncle John Simoni and they built large custom homes in Alta Loma and Upland. My dad eventually moved on to being a code enforcement officer for Ontario and my mom retired from Real Estate...they moved back to Ontario and then finally settled in Rancho.

My mom was an incredible mom, she gave me an amazing and loving childhood, upbringing and life. She gave me unwavering love and taught me life's lessons...including values, ethics, manners and respect for my elders. She assured that I had a great education and spiritual foundation...and a home I could always come back to. She was an amazing cook and fed anyone who was hungry. She made all of our holidays special and tried her best to maintain the Italian traditions and keep our family together.

Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving will never be the same without her incredible meals, delicious cookies, cakes and Italian Pizzelles...and all the work and love she put in to make everything just right and the presentation perfect.

Her biggest loves were family, real estate, cooking, shopping, great food, dancing and road trips...but at the top of her list was probably babies, animals (Dogs, big cats and elephants) and playing weekly lotto and keno at San Manuel and Morongo.

She had post-Covid plans for Prime Rib at the Sycamore Inn, a steak at the Magic Lamp and a trip to Disneyland. And in addition to greatly missing so many passed family and friends...she really missed enjoying meals at her two favorite local restaurants that recently closed- The Cactus Patch in Ontario and China Gate in Upland.

And to say my mom was strong would be an understatement, she made it through as many physical challenges as emotional...a heart bypass, a benign brain tumor the size of a grapefruit, lung cancer, shingles...and a host of other debilitating events and conditions. Always snapping back in an amazing way. During her Brain Tumor recovery at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, they called her the "Miracle Lady".

And she would be the first to credit God. A faithful believer, she often told the story of fearing open heart surgery and praying to God for help. Alone in the bathroom, with no one else in the house, she heard a very clear and audible voice from over her shoulder that said to her, "I will never leave you"...a voice she attributed to Him.

And through it all...she had class. From the era of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, my mom was always well dressed and accessorized. Never leaving the house without looking sharp, well groomed and "Put together". And she conducted herself in the same way...with class.

She passed on November 30, 2020 at Pomona Valley Hospital at the age of 89. Still her chatty self...a unique soul and personality that attracted and endeared people like few others. And a role model that few could match.

I could never thank her enough for what she did for us. The kind of mom, friend and family member we were all so very lucky to have in our lives. All I can say is that Heaven welcomed a new angel and the earth is lessened without her...and there are no words that can convey how much she was loved and will be eternally missed.

She is survived in CA by Rick Simoni (Me), her sister Vivian Faiella, my cousin Lisa (Faiella) Coffman-Diegel and family...and my cousin Valerie (Vallese) Shafia and family.

And in PA by Joel Santolla and family...and her sisters Loretta Shaffer, Ida Atkins and their families.

We were Covid-limited to a small graveside service at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont on December 23, but are planning a celebration of life event for her this summer.

If you knew my mom, had a story about her and/or would like to attend her life celebration, please leave us a message at 909 982-8495 or [email protected]

Thanks,

Rick

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