Mary Lou E. Simons

ISHPEMING, MI­Mary Lou E. Simons, age 89, longtime resident of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Teal Lake Senior Living Community, where she had resided for the past 3½ years.

Mary Lou was born on January 4, 1936, in Ishpeming, Michigan, to the late M. Lucille (Menear) and Earl ‘Jack’ J. Racine. A proud graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1953, Mary Lou married Charles ‘Chuck’ Simons on August 7 of that same year.

She worked at Michigan Tech while Chuck attended school, and in 1957, they moved to Columbus, Ohio, where they lived until 1965 and welcomed their two children, Claudette and Charles. The family later relocated to Kennewick, Washington (1965­1970), returned briefly to Columbus (1970­1973), and ultimately settled back in Ishpeming in 1973. At that time, they purchased and operated Simon Brothers Wholesalers.

A woman of faith and community, Mary Lou was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and a proud participant in the âPasty Crew.ã She found great joy in caring for her family, cooking, baking, and entertaining guests. She also enjoyed playing bridge and was a dedicated member of many local organizations, including the Friends of the Library, League of Women Voters, and Order of the Eastern Star. Mary Lou also served her community as a member of the Marquette County Board of Elections.

She is survived by her daughter, Claudette (Gary Evans) DesJardins; her son, Charles (Julie) Simons, both of Ishpeming; grandchildren: Neal and Clayton Simons, and Heather Marie DesJardins; great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Brittanie, and Clayre; and her brother, James (Lois) Racine of Menominee.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck Simons, on February 26, 2021.

A private graveside service for Mary Lou and Chuck will be held in July at the Ishpeming Cemetery with Rev. Scott Sherrill officiating.

The Simons family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Teal Lake Senior Living Community, UP Home Health and Hospice, and UPHS Marquette for their compassionate care.

Mary Lou’s obituary and an online guestbook may be found at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and family are invited to leave remembrances.