Margie Ann Simonin, 90, of Belleville, IL born August 26, 1934, in Freeburg, IL, passed peacefully Friday, January 24, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO, surrounded by her loving family.
Margie attended Notre Dame Academy, graduating with honors in 1952. She would go on to meet her future husband Larry, and they would wed on August 22, 1953.
Margie embraced her role as homemaker and later as secretary for her husband Larry at Ebsco Industries. When they retired at the age of 55, they would spend much time at their second home at Lake of the Ozarks. She enjoyed hosting friends, particularly her family and grandkids at the lake. She enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, crafts, and card playing which she did until her final days.
Her zest for life and a good time could light up a room. You always knew where she was, always outspoken and outgoing. She was quick to make friends and could handle any situation. These attributes made her and Larry the perfect pair.
From honest beginnings on a rural farm in Freeburg, her hard work and hard play allowed her opportunities, she would say, “I never could have dreamed of.” Margie and Larry traveled all over the US and dozens of countries worldwide. She loved every minute of it.
At the heart of it all for Margie was her family. Not knowing how things would turn out, she gave birth to four children, who bore 11 grandchildren, who bore 14 great-grandchildren. She was a true matriarch to her family. Nothing gave her more pride than watching them grow and succeed in their own ways.
Because of her abundant blessings, Margie would say, “I lived the best life.” She was very content, never wanting or needing anything else. She was fulfilled. She was a diamond until the end, even at the Colonnade where she lived her final years. She met new friends and reconnected with old. She enjoyed bingo, cards with the ladies and the staff that brought her much joy and support. She will be missed by many, none more than her family, but we are all better, having had her in our lives.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Larry, to whom she was married for 69 years, before his passing in 2022; her dear daughter, Michelle Lewis Garvin; two daughters-in-law, Toni Simonin and Diane Simonin; her parents, Jerome and Elenora, nee Hinrichs, Jung; her brothers, James (Joan) Jung and Joseph Jung; and a brother-in-law, Vince Aiello.
She is survived by her three children, Scott (Kathy Long) Simonin, Dawn (Kevin) Peil, and Bruce Simonin; 11 grandchildren, Stacy (Kaci) Simonin, Scott (Sara) Simonin II, Ryan (Ashley) Simonin, Dan Peil, Kelly (Brent) Daubach, Kate (Eric) Sudol, Emily (Chad) Lauf, Christina Simonin (Mike Russell), Monica (Tristan) Bullington, Mekenzie (Roy) Riley, and Leslie (Anthony) Lewis-Post; 14 great-grandchildren, Jameson, Thompson, Wilson, Westin, Amelia, Anna, Eli, James, Isabelle, Camryn, Collin, Race, Rivyn, and Silas; a sister, Rosemary Aiello; a brother, Jerry (Carline) Jung; a sister-in-law, Laurel Jung; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.
Memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Grade School or in the form of masses. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
