Minnie
Barbara Abrams Simon, 100. Born in McKeesport on January 2, 1917, she was the
daughter of Abraham and Helen Abrams. Her
husband Abraham G. Simon preceded her in death. Minnie graduated from
McKeesport High School in 1934. She worked as a bookkeeper for Traczynski
Meatpacking Company on White Street for many years until her eyesight began to
fail her. She was a member of the Anshe Sfard and Gemilas Chesed
Synagogues. She was active in the Gemilas Chesed Sisterhood, a member of McKeesport's chapter
of Hadassah and B'Nai Brith. Despite her limited sight, she became known
for her creative flower and fruit arrangements for celebrations at the
synagogue. When asked how she was able to design arrangements without
being able to see well, Minnie would say, “I see it in my mind and then it is
easy.” With a group of Jewish women in
McKeesport, Minnie was part of a monthly “study group” that discussed books,
most related to Judaism, led by Tree of Life Synagogue Rabbi Edmond Neiss.
She and Abe moved to Pembroke Pines, FL in 1978 where she lived until 2014 when
she came to live with her daughter in Philadelphia. Mother of Dr.
Elaine Simon of Philadelphia, PA and Dr. Richard Simon of Pembroke Pines,
FL. Grandmother of Claire and Nora Crawford of Philadelphia.
Pre-deceased by her siblings, Max, Sara, Molly, Sam, and Lilly. Graveside
service will take place Friday, November 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Tree of
Life/Sfard Cemetery with Rabbi Moshe Russell officiating. Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin
Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 is in
charge of arrangements. In lieu of
flowers, donations to honor Minnie’s memory can be made to the National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/support-nls/ or to the McKeesport High School Alumni and
Friends Association http://www.theconsortiumforpubliceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/MHS-Alumni-Membership-Form-without-brick-copy.pdf |
obituaries >