Cecelia Simons Obituary

Cecelia Simons Cecelia (Ceil) Novy Simons passed away peacefully at Seton Medical Center in Austin on February 1, 2008, with her family by her side. She was 88. Though she was born October 23, 1919, her life truly began in Brooklyn, NY in 1936 where, during her Sweet Sixteen party, she met the devoted and lifelong love of her life, Milton Simons. Married on February 21, 1940, Ceil and her "Milty" then moved to Austin on New Year's Day, 1947 where they raised their three children Paul, Laurey and Marcia. Ceil took an active role in the Austin Jewish community, serving as a life member of Hadassah, a member of B'nai B'rith, and past president of Sisterhood at Congregation Agudas Achim. Always with an exceptional eye for men's fashion, Ceil grew tired of only dressing her husband and so decided to share her gift with others. She joined the menswear department at Frost Brothers department store in 1979, and spent the next 12 years outfitting gentlemen (and her grateful family!) in designer suits and fine couture. She was the store's best employee, and best customer. After leaving Frost Brothers in 1991, Ceil and Milton traveled the globe and enjoyed time with their friends, children, their seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Ceil will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, her brilliant sense of humor, and her appreciation for the finest things in life. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Milton; her children, Paul and Pat Simons of St. Louis, Laurey and Ralph Karotkin of Austin, and Marcia and Brad Hovious of Houston; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Pallbeaers will be: Jay Karotkin, Dr. Dan Simons, Bill Karotkin, David Simons, Greg Cohen, Brandon Wimmer, Hasse Olstrup, and Dr. Michael Shapiro. Honorary pallbearers are Ralph Karotkin, Dr. Brad Hovious, Morris Shapiro, Dr. Ira Shapiro, Bobby Shapiro, Jack Seriff, Marvin Kanter, and Bernard Snyder. The family would also like to acknowledge their heartfelt appreciation to all of Ceil's doctors and caregivers, including Dr. Michael Shapiro, Dr. Bill Deaton, Dr. Michael Watkins, and Rosalinda De la Pena. A graveside memorial service will be held Sunday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery (2800 Hancock Dr.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Claire Seriff Educational Fund at Congregation Agudas Achim, P.O. Box 28400, Austin 78755-8400, or a charity of your choice.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Feb. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Cecelia Simons

3 Entries

Sandra Leitner

February 28, 2008

Laurey ! Please write me when you have time. I'd love to hear about Kim and all her family.

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Alan Paul Bloebaum

February 7, 2008

Although I knew she had not been in good health for several years, I was saddened to learn of the death of Cecilia Simons--she was always "Mrs. Simons" to me. Paul and I went to school together from grade school through UT; he was my Best Man; I was one of his Groomsmen. Although we hadn't seen each other in over 40 years, our families met in Austin a couple of years ago to catch up.
Mrs. Simons was a very regal lady, and I guess I liked and respected her so much because she reminded me of my own mother. Whenever I visited Paul at his home on Village Drive, she treated me like one of the family. It was always obvious to me how much she loved her family--as did my Mom--and, like my Mom, how much she valued education and that she was intent on her kids getting an education. Our Moms gave Paul and me constant encouragement--and, yes, prodding--to be the best students we could be, so Paul and I were always friendly but fierce academic competitors throughout school. I think Paul and I have been as successful as we have been because of our mothers. Too, both Paul and I saw from our parents how to be GOOD parents. They always provided us with a stable home life so often missing in families today. My memories of my mother are good, and my memories of Mrs. Simons are the same.
It's a shame that one has to wait to read an obituary to learn about what all a person did during their life. I enjoyed reading how Mrs. Simons met the love of her life, and although I did see her once at Northcross Mall and learned that she worked for Frost Brothers, I had no idea that she was such an expert in men's clothing! My brother is a clothes horse, but my wardobe has always been "early garage sale". I admire people who have skills that I can only marvel at!
Most of all I remember Mrs. Simons during the time we all spent together in El Paso in preparation for Pat and Paul's wedding. Again, I was a member of the family in everything. I do remember the day that several of us went to Mexico, a group that included Mrs. Simons and her Dad. On our return, when asked our citizenship, her Dad said, "I was born in Poland!". Since this was the time of the Cold War, the Customs agent stopped us. I remember Mrs. Simons' saying, "Dad, you're a U.S. citizen now. You're an American!" I remember how proud Mrs. Simons was at the wedding and how much fun we all had dancing at the reception. Then, on the way home, the Simons' let me drive their car for part of the trip.
Again, Mrs. Simons was a special lady to me. I was honored to have been treated as one of the family. I'm glad I got to know her while growing up. My memories of her--like those of my Mom--are good ones. Paul, Laurey, and Marcia: we all were very fortunate to have had such good mothers, weren't we?

Sandra Leitner

February 4, 2008

Ralph & Laurey -- Your mom was so beautiful and so delightful. I am sorry she is gone. Her pride in you, her children, could not be measured. My condolences.

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