Obituary

Rachel Simon, 69, loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend to many, passed away on June 21st, 2026 in Venice, Florida under the care of her loved ones. Born July 10th, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, Rachel was a profound source of whimsy, kindness, and joy in the lives of all she touched.

Rachel was a woman who valued morality, equality, tolerance, and patience above all else. As a lifelong educator, she was most passionate about piquing her students' curiosity & helping build the tools they needed to follow it. She gave back to the community, working at Manatee Community College and her son's day care teaching computer literacy. Her biggest accomplishment was her advocacy for the many disabled students overlooked by the Manatee county school system, ensuring their needs were met.

Rachel was a devout Reform Jew. She upheld the faith's core tenet, Tikkun Olam, by offering aid to those who needed it while expecting nothing in return. She believed that if everyone put good into the world, it would be a better place for all of us. Rachel also had both of her children Mitzvah'ed and attended synagogue regularly, transitioning to doing so online in her later years once it became difficult to attend in person.

Rachel is survived by her loving children- Cheyanne and Lazer, brothers- Mark and Craig, Father- Marvin, and her adopted kids- Jon, Julie, & Charlene. Her gentle soul will be missed by all but her light will remain with all of them. She was an inspiration to retain hope in the darkest times and to keep fighting until the end of our days for those we love.

A celebration of Rachel's life will be held on Sunday, June 28th, 2026, at 3:00pm under the Longboat Pass bridge; Anna Maria Island, FL near Coquina- joining Steve, Binnie & Bill Williams, & Carol (nanny) Klose. Please bring beach chairs for yourself & to share with visitors to FL (we will provide assistance). Sunscreen, fans, coolers, etc STRONGLY recommended as the projected temp of 92° will feel like 104°. Flowers will be cast away with the current, per Rachel's request. As a lifelong adopter of strays, she also requested that any donations be made to St Francis Animal Rescue of Venice to care for wayward kitties.