Erminia "Emmy" Cecilia Simon (nee Grano) passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022 in her home with family at her bedside. She was 92 years old.

Emmy was born February 25, 1930 to Eduardo and Ginesia Grano in New York City. She attended P.S.187, Washington Irving High School, and Hunter College where she graduated with a BA in music education concentrating in violin and piano. Soon after graduating in 1952, she married childhood family friend Werner "Pete" Simon. She and Pete moved to Elkins Park, PA and then in 1959 purchased their home in Blue Bell, PA. She lived there until her passing.

Emmy was a wonderful mother, raising her children to be independent and true to themselves. She was generous, selfless, caring, loving, thoughtful, intelligent, intuitive, kind, creative, adventurous, focused, patient, and just plain fun.

She was always engaged in interesting activities such as painting, pastels, stained glass, macrame, designing needlepoints, and knitting complex sweaters (always a sweater and hat for every baby born). She researched her genealogy and created a comprehensive history of her family tree dating back to 17th century Italy. She was the curator and historian of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society for many years. She notably inventoried the objects in their museum collection, set up exhibitions, and was key to getting the Whitpain 1895 School House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She was also a member of the Questers.

For many years, she was a member of the Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers where she curated the annual weaving exhibitions, won several awards for her works, and taught classes in spinning, dyeing and weaving. Her interest in spinning and history led her to purchase an antique spinning wheel, which, in turn, led her to collect 17th and 18th century American antiques. She ultimately became an antique dealer and established "Erminia C. Simon Antiques". She was a member of the Montgomery County Antique Dealers Association and participated in shows throughout the northeast including New York City.

Emmy studied PA German frakturs and antiques at Ursinus College, learned to restore and frame antique samplers, and published a monograph on Crandall toys. Through study and research she gained an expertise in early American antiques and toys, as well as PA folk art.

She had an avid interest in reading, classical music, opera, theatre, movies, and art which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Like her mother, she was a fabulous home-style Italian cook.

Emmy was predeceased by her beloved husband Pete, her sister Rose, and brother John.

She is survived by her children:  Edward, Laura (Rick) Carro, and John (Keiko), four granddaughters:  Emily, Sarah, Sabrina, and Amanda Rose; and nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins in the United States and Italy.