Edith C. Simons
October 21, 1920 -
January 24, 2015
With her loving family around her, Edith C. Simons, age 94 of Kenosha died on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Harmony Living Center.
Born in Racine, WI on October 21, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Henry F. and Nanna (Ebbesen) Christensen.
Edith was a graduate of Kenosha High School and a short-term training course in physical therapy in Milwaukee. As a lifelong learner, she began college at age 55. She attended Gallaudet University for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Washington, DC and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
On June 6, 1944, at the Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Milwaukee, she married the love of her life, Robert M. Simons. A day after their 65th anniversary on June 7, 2009, Robert preceded her in death.
Known as a doer and for her persistence, Edith served on numerous local, state, and national committees, boards, and councils including the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and the Telecommunication Relay System Council. Through her work on these many committees along with the support of several state legislators and area professional clubs many changes were implemented such as; establishing the State Bureau for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, the Kenosha Telephone Relay System, TDDs placed in hospitals, libraries, and fire stations, and the installation of a 911 TDD emergency line. Edith was an early advocate for the passage of the American with Disabilities Act.
In 1977, she was a delegate to the White House Conference for Handicapped People and in 1989 a U.S. representative to the Helen Keller World Conference on Deaf Blindness held in Stockholm, Sweden. She received many awards for her achievements including the Personal Achievement Award from the National Easter Seal Society of Wisconsin, the Golden Hands Award from the National and Wisconsin Associations of the Deaf, and the Kenosha News Woman of the Year in 1978. She was an honorary lifetime member of the Racine-Kenosha Deaf Club.
Edith was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and advocate for the deaf and the deaf-blind. She was a prolific reader, a talented writer of prose and poetry, a master at political debate, a follower of the news, a great story teller, and proud of her Danish heritage. She loved to play the piano, dance, cook, bake, and spend time with her family and friends. She was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Edith was happy that she had the chance to use her talents to make important changes in the disability movement and was proud of her advocacy work.
Edith will remain in the hearts of her loving daughters, Nana (Robert) LoCicero of Kenosha, Susan (Art) Buechter of Tinley Park, IL, and Pamela (Michael) Barnes of Zion, IL; her grandchildren, Nicole (Greg) LoCicero, LeeAnn (Gordon) Briese, Robert V. LoCicero, Crystal Simons, and Brandon (Danielle) Barnes, and her great grandchildren, Hailey, Makayla, Grace and Aleena.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Galen M. Simons; and her brother and sister-in-law, Verne and Concetta Christensen.
The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to Sandra Mikolas NP, Carol, and the staff of Harmony Assisted Living Center and Hospice Alliance for going above and beyond expectations in their loving care and many comforting measures.
Service Info
A Memorial Service in celebration of the life of Edith will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. Private inurnment will be held at Graceland Cemetery, Racine at a later date.
Posted by:
Office for the Deaf and Hard of HearingEdith was a warrior. Without her relentless fight, the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing would probably not even exist. She was instrumental in doing the ground work which established the original Burea for the Hearing Impaired so many years ago. She didn't stop there. She went on to advocate for the rights of all Wisconsin Deaf, hard of hearing and deaf blind people. Each time we go to a doctor, to work, to meetings, to children's school events, to conferences and governnment events, we have communication access and we can thank Edith over and over again. Many Deaf people recall the days when telephone communication was an insurmountable barrier. Younger Deaf people may not know who Edith Simons was and take the VRS services for granted. It all started with Edith. She joined the WAD's Joint Legislative Committee in the 1990's and TRS was established and Deaf people were finally able to make telephone calls to anyone, anywhere any time they wished. Edith be never be forgotten. She may be gone in the physical sense but her spirit and resilience live on each and every day. Edith is without a doubt that one person who made a difference in so many lives. RIP, dear friend.
Nana and Bob, We are very sorry to hear about your mom. What a remarkable woman she was! She will be missed in so many ways. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be with you in spirit on Saturday.
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Alice Schlosser-LeathersPam, I am so sorry for your loss. I recall when you and I hung out together, your mom would persuade me to use sign language instead of you relaying the message. She and my grandmother visited often. I think of you all from time to time. Take care! Alice
Posted by:
Terri De FazioDear Nana, I am sorry to hear about your mother. She sounds like a woman of strength and determination. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Candace Coleman-BrownEdith, you will be dearly missed! Will never forget your strength, smarts and determination. You taught me so much by example. Wow. Thank you!!! xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxo!
