Sadie Schulwolf Simon

SADIE SCHULWOLF SIMON 1916-2009 Sadie Schulwolf Simon, 93, of Opelika, AL, died August 12, 2009, at East Alabama Medical Center following a short illness. She was born January 31, 1916, to Morris and Gussie Schulwolf of Montgomery. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years Albert Simon and her first husband, Louis Koplon. Affectionately known as "Miss Sadie," she was a longtime part of the Opelika business community and was highly respected by all. Her passion for business began when she was just five years old, helping her father with his fruit stand business in Montgomery. Later, with her husband Albert, they owed several retail stores including Albert's Department Store and Kay's Shoe Store in downtown Opelika. She and Albert made local history when they hired and trained the first African American woman as a sales clerk in their store. She was encouraged by the local business community in her candidacy for Mayor of Opelika. In later years, she was President of SIRCO, a real estate development firm. Mrs. Simon continued working at the company along with children, Rosalyn and Jeffrey, on a daily basis until her hospitalization last week. Most recently, Mrs. Simon was honored by Opelika Mayor, Gary Fuller, who dedicated January 31, 2009, as "Sadie Simon Day" in Opelika by hosting a breakfast in her honor at City Hall on her 93th birthday. She was noted for her special variety of home cooked foods including cheese straws, cornbread, and fried chicken. She also loved to make pepper jelly, cakes and cookies which were cherished by all those who received them. She continued trying new recipes even at age 93. Miss Sadie would never leave home without wearing her beautiful dangling earrings, jewelry, full makeup and not a hair out of place. Her beautiful complexion was also noted by anyone who met her as she always looked young, radiant and never her actual age. The most important loves in her life were her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchild who all adored her dearly. She was a true "Southern Belle." Sadie Simon is survived by four children: Norman Koplon and family friend Catherine Malicki of Atlanta, Elaine Koplon Kirschner and her husband Dave of Atlanta, Rosalyn Rosenblum of Opelika, and Jeffrey Simon and his wife Gwen of Opelika. Her grandchildren Lane Koplon, Sandi Kirschner Krick and her husband Lenny, Jared Kirschner and his wife Brandy, Joshua and Alyssa Rosenblum and Paul and Aaron Simon, as well as great grandson Cade Krick. Also surviving is her sister Esther Fleischman and brother Max Schulwolf both of Montgomery as well as nieces and nephews. Mrs. Simon was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Auburn. Graveside services Friday August 14, 2009 at 10a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Beth Shalom at P.O Box 1888 Auburn, AL, 36831 or a charity of your choice. The family will observe the traditional mourning at the home of Jeffrey and Gwen Simon. Funeral arrangements: Fredericks Funeral Home of Opelika. www.fredericksfh.com