Catherine Simon

Catherine Cooper "Ann - Wee" Simon, 98, of Topeka, KS, passed away January 11, 2026 at her home. She was born May 23, 1927 on the Potawatomi Reservation near Mayetta, KS, the daughter of John and Madeline Jackson Cooper. Catherine’s father, John, was a Trapper by trade and unable to take care of his children, so he decided to have Catherine raised by foster parents, Joe and Maggie Akins.

During 6th grade Catherine went to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Catholic Boarding School in Marty, South Dakota. After graduation she moved to Topeka and met Wayne Simon. They married and were later divorced.

Catherine was a wife, mother, and small business owner. To Catherine and Wayne’s union six children were born. Robert, Francee, Deb, Steve, Dewey and Shelly.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; foster parents; Joe and Maggie Akins; sons, Robert and Dewey; sister, Lucille Cooper; brother, Walter Cooper; grandson, Shane Simon.

Survivors include 5 children, Francee Martinek (Craig), Robert (Audrey), Deb Simon (Harry), Steve (Debbie) and Shelly Simon (Steve); 6 grandchildren, Shane, John, Stephanie, Colton; Steven and Josh; 6 great-grandchildren, Zola, Emma, Myles, Hattie, Issac, and Elijah.

Family will greet friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Graveside Service will be 11:30 a.m. Friday morning at the Shipshee Cemetery.