Anna M. (Chavez) Simon

Anna M. (Chavez) Simon, age 84, of Shelby, died Saturday, November 28, 2020 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital following an unexpected brief illness.

Anna was born December 27, 1935 in Shelby to the late Genaro and Eloise (Ugalde) Chavez. She was proud to be a member of the Mansfield Senior High School Class of 1954 and still enjoyed spending time with her high school friends at a monthly breakfast. First and foremost, Anna was a mother- an excellent one at that. She raised her seven daughters even after her husband Maurice’s young death. Not only was she a great mom, but she was strong, independent, determined, generous, and unique. When Maurice became ill, she knew she must continue to be able to care for her family. Realizing that, Anna went to school at Mansfield School of Nursing and became a nurse- a career that would become a passion. Her working career was spent at Mansfield Hospital where she always worked third shift so she could continue to care for her daughters during the day. They swear she had to have nearly never slept. She loved her job so much that she even had retired and returned back to work not long after. The nurses she worked with, self-named the “Fab-Five” (Judy, Sharon, Jean, Karen, and Anna herself), became more than work friends but friends in life celebrating life events and traveling together for many years.

Anna always made everyone in the room feel like you were her favorite but also never showed favoritism as she was fair to everyone. She loved to read, was a fabulous cook and baker, and had been a Girl Scout leader for many years- a task that may have come easier to hear than others as she raised a “troop” all on her own. She also enjoyed volunteering for many years at the Renaissance Performing Arts Center. A special way her family will continue to honor her memory will be having their Christmas tradition of tamales and enchiladas for breakfast- a family favorite.

Anna is survived by her 7 daughters: Josephine Simon of Shelby, Maureen Rupe (Kevin Combs) of Shelby, Jacqueline (Todd) Potts of Shelby, Karen (John) Dillon of Mt. Vernon, Mary Simon (Doug Collins) of Mansfield, and Leticia (Mike) Saunders of South Carolina; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her husband: Maurice L. Simon on November 23, 1980; daughters: Lorraine L. Simon in 2020 and an infant daughter; son-in-law: Paul Rupe; and siblings: Mary Kirkpatrick, Josephine King, Rose Cain, Joseph Chavez, and Joan Welch. Anna was the last surviving sibling and in-law, of her generation, of both the Chavez and Simon families.

Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where the rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, December 3 ,2020 at 11 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will officiate and burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on Anna’s obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.