Barbara A. Simon passed peacefully on May 11, surrounded by family at her home in Leawood, Kansas.
Barbara was born to Harry and Serena Tabolsky in Kansas City. She grew up in Kansas City and went to high school at the Fenster School in Tucson, Arizona. Barbara attended college at UMKC, where she met Herb Simon. They were married in 1966. Barbara received an education degree and became a teacher.
Barbara put her career on hold to stay at home with her two boys. She later worked for American Greetings for many years, which is ironic because she would eventually become a big fan of Hallmark movies.
Outnumbered by boys in her home 3-1, Barbara put her creative talent to good use and made her own Cabbage Patch doll so she could finally have a girl at home. Barbara was known for her many creative talents. She decorated cakes, made clothes, did needlepoint and cross-stitch, and helped stitch a Torah cover for Congregation Beth Shalom.
Barbara had a huge circle of friends and was known for her cackle of a laugh. She played bridge and mahjongg (before and after it was cool). She was a devoted fan of the Royals and Chiefs, even when they weren’t good. She collected hundreds of teddy bears over the years.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Herb; and her children, Brian and Mindi of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Daniel and Susan of Columbia, Missouri. She is also remembered lovingly by her grandchildren, Alexa, Elizabeth, Sander, Zachary, Sari and Sara; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Allan and Mary Simon, Susan Goodbinder, Dr. Steven and Ileene Simon and Hope Talbot; and her cousin Sharon Penner. She was preceded in death by her brother Marshall Talbot.
Barbara will also be missed by her longtime friends, Barbara and Domenick Ingolia and Linda and Harold Schlozman; her dinner group; her mahjongg group; her theater group; and many, many others.
Funeral services were held on May 14 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Friends who would like to honor Barbara’s memory are invited to make a contribution to the charity of their choice.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
