Violet Susan (Freeman) Simon, 105, of East Hartford, Conn. and New Harbor, entered into eternal life on Feb. 4 at home with her family at her side.
Violet was born on May 13, 1906 in East Hartford, the daughter of Cassius Freeman and Denise (Dube) Freeman. She was one of 10 children who grew up on her family’s tobacco farm. She graduated East Hartford High School and then she married Ernest Simon and worked in Production Engineering at Pratt & Whitney for 18 years while raising her family. After her retirement, she worked as a manager of H&R Block in East Hartford, Conn. She graduated Manchester Community College at age 69. After graduation, she researched her family genealogy, and raised grandchildren for many years. She traveled throughout the United States and the world, visiting 12 countries and Alaska; but one of her favorite places on earth was her cottage on the coast of New Harbor where she and her family have lived as summer residents since 1955.
Violet truly was an inspiration to all who were privileged to know her. She was devoted to her family and spent her entire life helping others. She was intelligent and wise, always there to offer support and guidance. She was a living example that hard work, honesty, faith, education, and family are the most important things in life.
She was a member of Saint Christopher’s parish in East Hartford, Conn., Independent Order of Odd Fellows Rebekah Lodge, National Society Colonial Dames, The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Martha Pitkin Wolcott Chapter, Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor, and the National Society Americans of Royal Descent. She was very proud of her royal lineage.
She was predeceased by her husband Ernest Simon; daughter, Irene (Simon) Annis; and great-granddaughter, Cecelia Wotton.
She is survived by her son Walter Simon and wife Nancy Haugh of Manchester, Conn.; daughter, Lorraine Watkins and husband Gordon Watkins Sr. of Marlborough, Conn.; grandchildren, Coralie George of Manchester, Conn., Kimberly Skehan and husband Bruce of Newington, Conn., Lesley Wotton and husband Larry of Whitefield, N.H., Gordon Watkins Jr. of Coventry, Conn., Roy Watkins and wife Patricia of Marlborough, Conn., Jeff Watkins and wife Heather of Broad Brook, Conn., Marie (Nisa) Callahan and husband Tom of Meriden, Conn., Michelle (Babe) Hartley and husband James of Ocala, Fla., Walter (Guy) Simon Jr. of Bolton, Conn., and Willie and Glynis Simon of Falls Village, Conn.; 25 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren whom she loved very, very much; dear friend, Judy Golka of East Hartford, Conn.; and Richard Cheney, wife Karen and son Jeff of New Harbor, who were like family to her as well.
Funeral services were Feb. 8 in East Hartford, Conn.
To share a memory with the family, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com.
