Adelaide “Adi” Simon passed away on Feb. 16.
Adelaide Freida Rybka was born in 1930 in Ostrava, Czechia. Adelaide and her family were forced out of their home after the communist takeover shortly after World War II ended. Adelaide, at the young age of 17, was separated from her family and wound up in a displaced persons camp in Regensburg, Germany. It was there she met the love of her life, Ernie Simon.
Adi and Ernie relocated to a second displaced persons camp in Murnau, Germany, where she reunited with her parents, Frank and Albina, and her sister Erika. In 1950, Adi, who spoke only German and Czech, immigrated to the United States with Ernie and their 10-month-old son, Robert. They landed in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad Cities, where they raised a family and became active members of the community for the next 26 years. They later moved to Kansas City and eventually retired to Boynton Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed a healthy and happy retirement. After Ernie passed away, Adi moved to Redondo Beach, California, to be closer to family.
Ernie and Adi thrived wherever they went. They were both hardworking and lived the “American Dream.” Adi was the consummate perfectionist and embraced the challenges of coming to a new country with little more than the clothes on her back. Adi learned to speak English by going to the movies and listening to radio shows of the likes of Arthur Godfrey and others.
Adi was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a cherished grandmother (aka “Omi”), as well as a trusted friend. She had a generous spirit, always remembering birthdays and making everyone feel special with her warmth and kindness. She believed that a thoughtful gesture, whether a home-cooked meal or a heartfelt note, could brighten someone’s day. With a host of talents including being a fabulous cook and entertainer, she took great joy in preparing family favorites such as plum dumplings, Hungarian goulash and sauerbraten. She also enjoyed sharing her love of cooking, knitting and needlepoint with her children and grandchildren.
Adi is survived by her children Bob (wife Debby) Simon of Overland Park, Kansas; Herb Simon of Littleton, Colorado; Judy Simon of Prairie Village, Kansas; and Linda Simon of Manhattan Beach, California; and her sister Erika Theile of Milford, Ohio. Adi is also survived by her six grandchildren: Benjamin, Alex (and Rachel), Jorie, Adam (and Erica), A.J. (and Hana) and Gabriella.
Adi was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, and daughter-in-law, Erin. A celebration of Adi’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced soon. Contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC.org) or Alzheimer’s disease research.