Jeanie Marie Simon

Jeanie (Hutchins) Simon of Bellingham, Washington passed away peacefully on April 25, 2022. She was lovingly surrounded by her family and the fabulous caregivers at Silverado Memory Care Community throughout the day, where she had been living the last 5 years. Jeanie had become quite famous at Silverado, as she was the last "founding resident" of the community, and was known there for her beautiful smile and love of music.

Born Jean Marie Hutchins on September 5, 1943 to Verna and Floyd Hutchins, she grew up with her older sister, Ruth Ann (Hutchins) Jensen in Richland, Washington. As a child, she cherished playing with baby-dolls and her dog, Ginger, who she dressed up in baby dresses. During her teenage years, she was an active member of Job's Daughters International and adored attending formal balls, often sewing her own gowns. After graduating from Richland High School, Jeanie studied at Eastern Washington University, majoring in elementary education and minoring in music. She loved singing and performing in musical ensembles. While in college, Jeanie was honored to be part of a USO tour group which traveled and performed throughout Asia for the U.S. soldiers stationed in those countries. It was her first time traveling overseas. This unique experience remained one of Jeanie's most talked about and treasured times of her life.

Once becoming a very proud graduate of EWU, Jeanie ventured over the mountains to Bellevue, Washington, where she dedicated her life to teaching elementary school students, who loyally stayed in contact with her for decades after. Jeanie then fell in love and married James Elias Simon, a handsome Air Force officer who lived in her apartment building. Together, they had two daughters, Maria Jean Simon and Julie Ann Simon-Broberg, and their Norwegian-Lebanese journey began.

As a family, Jeanie and Jim were members of First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, and after moving north to Sudden Valley some years later, they joined Garden Street United Methodist Church in Bellingham. The family, along with Jim's older children, Michael, Janet, and Patsy, spent special summer vacations on Vancouver Island, and later became an active part of the North Point neighborhood, where Jeanie brought her homemade desserts to gatherings at the lake and welcomed in the kids who lived up and down the block. From ballet classes to Girl Scouts, PTA to youth group, Jeanie supported her daughters' active lives and loved their friends as her own.

Jeanie traveled to several Air Force bases, attending Jim's military promotions and taking part in formal events, ultimately showing much grace as a proud General's wife. She faithfully remained a daughter of the Tri-Cities, visiting her sister and brother-in-law regularly. She loved singing in choirs, taking photos, bowling, joining faith-based gatherings, playing bingo, vacationing in Hawai'i and Las Vegas, volunteering, and supporting her daughters' passions. For decades, she was a beloved "Mom" to many in the neighborhood, church, Chrysalis community, and to several WWU students who routinely included "Mama Simon" in their bowling parties and cooking nights. She fully supported the dreams of her daughters, being the very first customer of Julie's Moss Bags business and encouraging Maria to live and work overseas. She adored her supportive son-in-law, Ricardo Broberg, who warmed her heart every time he greeted her with a loving hug and a kiss on her cheek. Her greatest joy was being a Mother.

Most recently, Jeanie's long-held wish came true when she became "Grandma" to her two beloved grandsons, Kingsley James Broberg and Karter Elias Broberg. Kingsley and Karter brought Jeanie much well-deserved joy and lots of hugs in the final chapter of her life.

Jeanie's family gives their deepest gratitude to the amazing caregivers at Silverado Memory Care Community and Whatcom Hospice for all the love, attention, and time they've given to her over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that all remembrances be made in the form of donations to Silverado Bellingham Memory Care Community. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held on May 9 at 11am at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham, WA.