SIMON MILDRED JEAD FRIEDMAN Cherished by her family and a long, grown extended network of old and new friends, Mildred Simon (Friedman, daughter of the late Morris Friedman and Zolita Zober Friedman) was born in Alliance, Ohio. Soon after her mother's untimely death, when Mildred was nine months old, her father relocated them to Youngstown, Ohio. After her third summer when her sundress accidentally became engulfed in flames, she spent the rest of her life managing severe burns and scars, successfully hidden from the outside world. Her Rayen High School graduation, with academic honors and literary awards, signaled change and three months after, on her long awaited 18th birthday, she boarded a train to Pittsburgh, invited by her paternal Aunt Ida and Cousin Ruth Rosenberg. Her life of solitude changed; Mildred, a strong-willed, intelligent, exquisitely tasteful, creative and beautiful girl, immediately registered for University of Pittsburgh classes. Shortly thereafter, she was introduced to and courted by handsome, intelligent, honorable and tenderhearted, Daniel Leonard Simon, a man as well smitten by her inner beauty. Their evolving near 50-year marriage produced three noteworthy and attentive children, Gayle Simon, Ernie Simon and Beth Simon. A vigilant mother regarding education, she nurtured their intellectual underpinnings from infancy with weekly visits to Carnegie's Museums, Library, and the Phipps Conservatory, and encouraged the move to Mt. Lebanon for its better schools. She also leaves six grandchildren, Traci "Garret" Hirschfield, Zachary Simon, Noah Simon, Eve Simon, Hannah Simon, Isadora Greenberg-Simon; and one great- grandchild, Colesen Hirschfield Lebrun. She raised her children to be socially conscious, independent thinkers while helming social organizations like Temple Emanuel of South Hills' Sisterhood and a local chapter of B'nai B'rith Women. She learned oil painting and treasured pieces were collected in 2015 when she was invited to exhibit at Atria in Falmouth, MA. While raising her family in Mt. Lebanon, Millie enjoyed hobbies of antiquing, painting, Mah Jongg and Bridge. But as the children grew, Millie's interests expanded, bringing her into her natural milieu, the business world, from commercial banking in Pittsburgh to residential real estate in Boca Raton. She retired from a successful banking career to shepherd her beloved husband, whose cardiologist proclaimed his heart would not last another winter, from their home in Mt. Lebanon to Boca Raton, FL, where Millie and Dan reinvented themselves as realtors, becoming an esteemed and sought-after pair. Millie's move gave Dan an additional 20 years. After which, with her new five-pound black toy poodle companion, Samantha, her Real Estate career continued to prosper and she was recognized with numerous professional business awards year after year. Her final sale was signed the day before she and beloved 18-year-old Samantha moved in 2014 from her home of 37 years, a condo overlooking the ocean in Boca Raton to Cape Cod, MA to be near family. She is also survived by six nieces and nephews, Taffy Friedman Baron, David Friedman, Elaine Friedman Glowacki, Sharon Friedman Abe, Ronna Friedman Walters, Steven Friedman, children of her late half-brothers, Clarence and Howard Friedman. Mildred, who in her final chapters, continued to stun all who met her, was never one to reveal her age, until she reached 96. She always had been a fine example to all who surrounded her. She was an ardent supporter of social and political causes seeking justice, equality and a brighter future, contributing generously to those in need. She followed her heart, was never heard to make a negative comment about anyone and will be most remarkably missed. Friends may meet at the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel on Monday from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m., followed by Graveside Services at 11 a.m. Contributions of any amount may be made to the Anti-Defamation League (adl.org), World Wildlife Fund (wwf.org), Elizabeth Warren (elizabethwarren.com) or to Hillary Clinton (hillaryclinton.com), for when it comes to helping others, as Millie often said "Something is always better than nothing". Arrangements entrusted to RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC. www.schugar.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
