Mary Kay Simonik (nee Walters) 8/3/1937 – 9/2/2026 (age 89)

Beloved wife of 59 years to the late Stephen; loving mother of Sue File (Steve), Michael Simonik, Michelle Wulff (Chris), David Simonik (Jamyn) and Deb Kuscevic (Ed); Mom #2 to Sue “Coach” Host; sweet Grandma of Matt Molzan, Hannah Winters (Nick), Olivia Wulff, Samantha Eckert (John), Kaitlyn (fiancé Adam Mikesell), Emily and Zak Kuscevic, and Mallory Simonik. Sister to nine and Aunt of many.

Mom devoted her life to her family. Her steady presence and listening ear were her special gifts. As a stay-at-home mom, she wore many hats while raising a busy family of five children. She was always giving her time, energy and love whenever needed. As a wife, she truly lived out her wedding vows and was an example of married love to all of us.

As children and adults, some of our favorite memories of Mom were made at our family home of 59 years. She stopped everything to hear about our everyday lives, whether sitting at the kitchen table, on the front porch, the outside swing or on the phone. Mom offered advice when asked, but never meddled, always giving us the freedom to find our own way. This carried over to her grandchildren as well. She was always eager to play a game of cards, watch them have fun in the pool or sit and listen as they told her about their day.

For many years Mom volunteered with the Corpus Christi PTC, Teen Renewal and church choirs. Her "happy place" was her sewing room, often burning the midnight oil working on a project. She was thoughtful and creative, especially when it came to gift-giving; finding or making something that showed just how well she knew the person receiving it. Mom never needed recognition for the things she did. She simply loved well.

Mom could find humor in ordinary things and was quick-witted with a comment that could catch you off guard and make you laugh. That sense of humor was part of the warmth she brought to our family and to others, giving us so many memories and stories that will continue to make us smile.

Most importantly, Mom trusted in Jesus throughout her life, especially through its challenges. We are comforted knowing that her faith in Jesus has now brought her home to Him and that she is walking hand in hand with our Dad.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Leo The Great Church, 4940 Broadview Rd. on Friday September 11, 2026 at 10 a.m. Livestreamed at https://www.leothegreat.org/ Please meet at church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), THURSDAY 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105