Cari Simon, pictured here, passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — This Saturday, local residents will gather together to grieve the loss of one of the pillars in the Shepherdstown community, Cari Simon.

A funeral service will be held at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception in the War Memorial Building. Both are open to the public.

“My beloved mom, Cari Overduin Simon, passed away yesterday from medical complications after a biopsy on Friday,” said one of her two sons, Matt Simon, in a Facebook post on Feb. 19. “We appreciate the outpouring of support she has received over the last week as she navigated difficult news related to her health.”

After retiring from a 35-year-long teaching career, Simon moved to Shepherdstown. She helped found the Shepherdstown Shares Food Pantry in 2020 and was awarded the Shepherdstown Area Independent Living Community Service Award for her work in 2021. Simon served as the nonprofit’s director until Feb. 6, 2025, when she retired due to health concerns. It wasn’t until a week after her retirement that it was determined her dizzy spells were caused by cancer, according to Shepherdstown Shares treasurer Mark Kohut.

“She got diagnosed with a brain tumor last Thursday or Friday. She was hoping it was benign,” Kohut said, on Feb. 18. “Then suddenly today, there was a hemorrhage and a great amount of brain bleeding and the doctors said she was unconscious.”

Since her passing, many of those whose lives were impacted by her compassion and generosity of spirit have been grieving her loss and dwelling on the legacy that she has left behind her.

“I can’t believe Cari Simon has died. I worked with her at Shepherdstown Shares,” said Adele Knott, of Shepherdstown. “She was always so gracious!”

That sentiment was shared by many others, including Shepherdstown residents Paul and Diane Kradel.

“Cari brought Diane and me food when we were sick and provided wise counsel when we were well,” Paul said. “Cari was a delight in every way.”

South Jefferson Elementary School principal Keri Mahoney agreed with him.

“What a blessing, to know and love you, Cari Overduin Simon. The world lost a bright light today, but I know you are lighting up another place, for the entire world to witness!” Mahoney said, in a Facebook post. “Thank you for your quick wit, your amazing and generous heart and especially your kindness, Cari. Our memories with you will definitely remain our blessings forever.”

Shepherdstown resident Christa Mastrangelo Joyce shared some of her fondest memories of Simon.

“My beloved friend, Cari Overduin Simon, never missed a Friday morning yoga class with me,” Joyce said. “She was a gatherer and brought every woman she could into the room to join me. I have a picture of her standing in ‘her spot’ that I will carry always in my mind. Tomorrow, and in many days to come, she will be missed in the yoga room, as she will be deeply missed in so many other rooms.”

Simon’s absence will be deeply felt at her church, Shepherdstown Presbyterian, where she served in a number of roles, including usher, caregiver, hospitality lead and choir member.

“She was a treasure to our choir!” said choir director Sheila Melendez. “My Virgo buddy, committed to the group, [who had] a wonderful voice.”