Obituary of Mercedes Simon

Mercedes Simon died peacefully in her sleep with her children at her side on August 14, 2024. She was 81 years old.

"Dolly Girl," as she was known by her family growing up, was the youngest daughter of Mercedes "Dolly" Purcell and Anthony "Tony" Collette. Born July 24, 1943, in New York City, she completed a loving, close family of nine children. Being the baby of the group had certain advantages: she was able to learn from the examples set by her older sisters, and she met the love of her life because of one of her brothers.

Dolly met Michael Simon when he came to the family apartment looking for her brother Billy, and they both knew they had found "the one." A whirlwind courtship followed, with the couple marrying and having two children before their 23rd birthdays.

Dolly raised her children in the most loving, supportive way imaginable, encouraging us to follow our passions and to become the best people we could -- we took those lessons to heart and continue to live them every day.

Whether she lived in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Florida, or Woodridge, Dolly always maintained deep and close relationships with her family members. She rotated holiday gatherings with her siblings and in-laws, but it was also normal to spend time at each other's homes on non-holidays just because everyone enjoyed each other's company.

Dolly is survived by her daughter Deborah (Simon) and Deborah's husband John Cabrita; her son Bruce Simon and Bruce's wife Mary Burke; her grandchildren Jason Cabrita and Michael & Meghan Simon; a large, devoted group of nieces and nephews; and three beloved in-laws: Linda, Theresa, and Leonel.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Dolly and Tony; her husband Michael; and her siblings Patricia, Suzanne, Anthony aka "Mickey," Margaret aka Margie, Joseph, Robert, John aka Jake, and William.

A wake will be held on Monday, August 19, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello, NY. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 20 at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Glen Wild Cemetery in Glen Wild, NY alongside her husband Michael and brother Jake.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello.  For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com