Carol Ann Simone

She was born on March 28, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Charles, A. and Laura C. (Gebhardt) Rye. She married Arthur Williams Simone, Jr., on October 23, 1954.

Carol graduated from Providence High School in Chicago in 1953. Carol began her college studies in 1965. She earned a B.Ed. in Secondary Education in 1968, with a subject specialization in History from Northeastern Illinois State College in Chicago. In 1970, she spent four weeks in Japan conducting research for her thesis. She went on to earn her M.A. in Asian studies from Northeastern Illinois University in 1972.

Carol taught Asian Studies, African History, and AP Economics at Niles West Township High School from January, 1969, until her retirement in June, 1995. She was a dedicated educator, who gave her full heart to her students and never cut corners.

The world was her classroom. In 1988, Carol was awarded a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship, which allowed her to spend six weeks in Egypt and Kenya. Carol was keenly interested in other cultures, particularly those of Third World countries, and continued to travel all over the world for most of the rest of her life.

Carol was a deeply religious person and a devote Catholic, whose life reflected her faith. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at her Catholic Church in the Chicago area. After moving to Rancho Palos Verdes, Carol volunteered in numerous ministries at St. John Fisher Parish, including, the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall where she helped prepare residents for their Confirmation, Agape, Family Promise, Adopt-a–Family, Sandwich Ministry, and the Palos Verdes Resale Thrift Shop. She also volunteered for years at the House of Yahweh in Lawndale. Carol participated in organizations, such as Omnilore, Norris Theater, American Association of University Women, and various bridge groups.

Those who knew Carol will remember her as loving, intelligent, humorous, adventuresome, gutsy, stylish, and as one who always enjoyed telling a good story. Carol’s unwavering belief in equality for all people guided everything she did. Throughout her life, she lived her values - compassion, justice, and service. She was unfailingly generous with her time and talents, and cherished by those who knew her.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Deborah S. (Joji Kagei) of Rancho, Palos Verdes, California; her granddaughters, Lauren S. Kagei and Michelle M. Kagei; and many nieces and nephews. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her sister, Loretta (Rye)Tadlock, and her sister, Mary A. (Rye) Rush.

Her funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. John Fisher Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, at 11 AM, with a light lunch to follow in Barrett Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to House of Hope Foundation, Inc., 829 W. 9th St., San Pedro, CA 90731; 501(c)(3)nonprofit corporation; EIN: 95–1868767. Gift of Hope - House of Hope Foundation.

https://houseofhopesp.org/product/memorial-donation/