Catherine Delores (O'Brien) Simon Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Catherine Delores (O’Brien) Simon of DeWitt and Wellesley Island passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the age of 103. Catherine was born on March 18, 1919 in New York City, where she later worked as an executive secretary in the banking industry. During the second world war, Catherine volunteered nightly after work as a nurse assistant at Welfare Hospital (Goldwater Memorial Hospital) on Roosevelt Island. Catherine relocated to DeWitt, NY in 1953 after marrying Charles J. Simon. Over the course of her career, she worked as a teaching assistant at Jamesville Elementary school, managed Sunlighting Lamp Store, was secretary to the heads of housing and education at Syracuse University, and retired from the Registrar’s Office at Onondaga Community College. She loved interaction with people, and was known for putting the needs of others before her own. She touched the lives of countless coworkers, friends, family, and caregivers alike. Catherine was a communicant of Holy Cross Church and volunteered at both the parish and school. She also served as the president of the DeWitt Garden Club. In retirement, Catherine especially loved her winters by the ocean in Florida and summers on the St. Lawrence River. In her later years, Catherine amazed everyone in her life for her resilience and ability to recover from life threatening conditions. She always kept a positive outlook and demonstrated kindness, patience, and gratitude with caregivers. Catherine had a smile for everyone she encountered, and she continued to take an interest in the lives of others. Catherine is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Charles J. Simon; as well as her parents, William and Helen O’Brien; her brother, Dr. Kennedy O’Brien; and sisters, Nancy Shevlin, Eileen O’Brien, Mary Bowler, and Patricia O’Brien. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Philip) Simon Slominski of Liverpool; grandsons, Lucas (Heather) Simon Slominski of Maryland, Charles Simon Slominski of Liverpool, Michael Simon Slominski of Virginia and John (Madeline) Simon Slominski of Liverpool; as well as a sister-in-law, Rose (John) O’Connor; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Sparky. The family would like to thank the many nurses, doctors, therapists, and aides that worked with Catherine over the last decade. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 4th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at FARONE & SON Inc Funeral Home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 5th, 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home and 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, DeWitt, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, followed by the Rite of Committal at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear facemasks. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association at https://www.jdrf.org.

Catherine Delores (O'Brien) Simon

March 18, 1919 - July 30, 2022