Coradean Simon

OLEAN - Coradean Simon, "Corky" to her friends and family, passed away Friday (May 17, 2024), two days before her 100th birthday, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 19, 1924, as Coradean O'Brien, to her parents, Donald and Isabelle O'Brien. She began her life in Cuba at 10 Maple Street, along with her sister, Donabelle O'Brien.

She graduated from Cuba High School.

Mrs. Simon took great pride in her patriotic stock. In addition to being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW), her father fought in WWI. During WWII she contributed to the war effort working as a riveter, building airplanes in Buffalo, alongside her mother and sister.

After the war, she met her husband, Mielad "Milly" Simon, and after they wed on June 5, 1946, began her 78-year tenure as an Olean resident. During their marriage, Corky and Milly Simon were blessed with four children, Kathy Simon, Coradean Simon, Shahean Simon and David Simon.

Mrs. Simon was a lifelong proponent of education. She attended college later in life when she was in her fifties. She received an associate's degree in general studies and child development from Jamestown Community College, and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from Buffalo State University.

Everyone in Olean that knew Mr. and Mrs. Simon only had a loving story to tell when speaking of their marriage, which spanned 55 years until Mr. Simon passed away in 2001. Over the years the Simon family added five grandchildren, Brian Simon, Christopher Simon, Matthew Simon, Andy Leder and John Ellis; and three great-grandchildren, Sabrina Simon, Josh Ellis and Diana Ellis. Mrs. Simon also enjoyed her nephew, Pat Weagraff; and her great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mrs. Simon spent her last years enjoying her family, playing cards, reading, crocheting and watching football. Until the day she passed, she remained an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Family received friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday (May 19, 2024) at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. today (May 20, 2024) at St. Joseph's Maronite Catholic. Father Claude Franklin will be the celebrant. Burial is in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.