Katherine M. Simons

Katherine Margaret, daughter of Elmer and Nellie (Trullinger) Shirbroun, was born March 15, 1910 in Coon Rapids, Iowa. She was the fifth of seven siblings. Katherine graduated from Coon Rapids High School where she was a member of the girl's basketball team. Following high school, Katherine worked at the Garst Store until her marriage to Arthur Simons in 1932. Three children were born to this union, Gerald, Rosemary and Constance. Arthur's work took the family to several states and, eventually, to Chicago. Their married life was cut short when Katherine's husband was killed in a construction accident in 1949. Left to raise three children, Katherine moved back to Coon Rapids where she persevered through much hardship. She successfully raised her children by working at a grocery store to provide for her family. Katherine was an involved member of the Coon Rapids community. She was an active member of Annunciation Parish, Ladies Guild and the Rural Industrial Club. She was a Red Cross volunteer and enjoyed her bridge club. She also enjoyed travelling, especially to visit her children and grandchildren. In 2002 Katherine made the decision to enter Thomas Rest Haven because of her physical limitations. She continued to stay active and spent hours doing handiwork and visiting with family, friends and staff. Katherine always had a positive attitude, giving spirit and wonderful sense of humor. Katherine enjoyed good health up until a week before her death when she suffered a stroke. She died Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Thomas Rest Haven surrounded by her family. She was 101 years, 3 months and 4 days of age. Besides her parents, Katherine is preceded in death by all of her siblings: Clarence Shirbroun, Francis Shirbroun, Estel Shirbroun, Gertrude Jacobsen, John Shirbroun, and Karl Shirbroun. Katherine is survived by her three children: Gerald Simons and wife Rita of Savage, MN; Rosemary and husband Ben Giovannone of Vernon Hills, IL and Constance and husband Bradley McKewon of Rock Hill, SC; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and other relatives and friends.