Margaret J. Simonis, age 95 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, March 28, 2025 at VanCrest of Holgate. She was born on January 23, 1930 to Oliver and Clara (Sieren) Beaubien in Fairfield, Michigan. On August 5, 1950 she married Francis "Frank" Simonis who preceded her in death on July 19, 2008.

A lifelong and faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Margaret was an active participant in the Altar Rosary Society, Noodle Club, Shepherd of Christ Prayer Group, and setting up for funeral dinners. Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she treasured her lifelong friendships she made over the years. Margaret loved to cook (three meals a day and seven days a week!) and enjoyed raising her children and grandchildren. Spending time with her family was very important to her. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. Margaret is survived by her loving children, Joseph Simonis, Annette (Erwin) Schroeder, Patricia (Mike) Vandemark, Jerome Simonis, Gregory Simonis, Mark (Amy) Simonis, all of Defiance; and daughter-in-law, Deb Simonis. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild, 26 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Robert and Joseph Beaubien, her sisters, Cecelia Fox Emerson and Sister Mary Beaubien, and sons, Peter John Simonis, Stephen Simonis, and Peter Anthony Simonis. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Vigil service at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Jason D'Souza officiating. Margaret will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial gifts can be directed to St. Mary Food Pantry or St. Vincent de Paul Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

St Mary Catholic Church Food Pantry
707 Jefferson Ave, Defiance OH 43512

St Vincent DePaul Society
707 Jefferson Ave, Defiance OH 43512