Mary Ann Simon

Mary Ann Simon, age 87, of Perham, MN, passed away Friday, August 17, 2007, at the Perham Memorial Home surrounded by her family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2007, beginning at 11:00 am at St. Henry's Catholic Church, Perham, with Father Joe Herzing officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at Schoeneberger Funeral Home from 5:00 - 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.  Visitation will also be held one hour before the funeral at the funeral home.



Mary Ann was born on January 29, 1920, in St. Joe, near Perham, the twelfth child of George Jr. and Elizabeth M. (Krekelberg) Altstadt.  Mary Ann, nicknamed by her siblings as "Biddy", underwent lots of kidding and chiding as the youngest of twelve children.  She has told many stories of her family to her children, especially the times of her childhood and teen years.  On May 22, 1937, Mary Ann married Donald J. Simon, also of Perham.  She had two children when Don joined the Navy.  She then lived with Don's parents until 1945, when he came home from the war.  She worked many jobs in Perham and spent many years working for Drahmann's Department and Grocery store.  In June 1959, Don and Biddy moved to Maryland.  There she worked for Baden Grocery and Meat Market for 20 years before retiring in 1981.  She and Don were life members of VFW Post 4020 in Perham and Post 8810 in Waldorf, MD.  She was a member of St. Michaels Parish, Brandywine, MD, for 46 years.  "Grandma Biddy", as her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews affectionately called her, always had a package of fresh baked cookies for them to take home.  They all called her "The Cookie Lady!"  She loved visitors and had many close friends.  On October 1, 2005, after living in Maryland for 46 years, Don and Biddy decided to move back "home" to Perham to enjoy Bev and Al's family along with several nieces and nephews.



Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Don, Perham, MN; three daughters, Beverly (Al) Stigman, Perham, MN; Bonita (Darrell) Price, Coral Springs, FL; and Dorothy (Ed) Bellafiore, Prince Frederick, MD; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many very special nieces, nephews, and dear friends.



Preceding Mary Ann in death are her parents; her only son, Kenneth J. Simon; eleven brothers and sisters; and eleven brother and sisters-in-law.  



Memorial contributions may be made to the In Their Own Words Veterans Museum, Perham, MN.