Irene (Ferreira) Simon, 80 of Acworth, GA passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love on December 15th. Irene is survived by her three children; Eileen Holman (Eric), John M. Pisani Jr., Michael Pisani (Katie); grandchildren; Garrett Holman, Isabella Pisani and Milo Pisani as well as four nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her husband Frank Simon, grandson Chandler Holman and sister Eleanor Silvia.
Irene was born in Brooklyn, New York to John and Laura Ferreira. With the passing of her mother at the tender age of eight, Irene quickly developed a deep sense of inner strength and resolve that served her well in life. With her father working nights as a streetcar operator and her sister married and out of the house, Irene learned at an early age how to be self-sufficient and independent.
Growing up above a pet store on Flatbush Avenue, Irene enjoyed going to Broadway shows, especially musicals. West Side Story and The Phantom of Opera were some of her favorites. She loved attending Brooklyn Dodger games and babysat for Hall of Fame Pitcher Don Drysdale’s children.
Irene began her formative education at Erasmus Hall High School and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from City College of New York. It was there she met and married John M. Pisani Sr. before they moved to Maryland to raise their children.
Years later following her divorce, Irene moved to Marietta, Georgia and married Frank J. Simon. She began her teaching career as a business education instructor at Campbell High School in Smyrna. Beloved at the school, she was voted teacher of the year in 1988 for her positive attitude and ability to connect with students on their level.
While teaching at Campbell High School, she continued her pursuit of higher learning by obtaining a master’s in education from Georgia State University and a specialist in education (EdS) from the University of Georgia.
She then joined the faculty at South Cobb High School where she taught business classes for several years before transitioning into administration as an assistant principal, and later becoming associate principal. Irene flourished as an administrator by striking the right balance of being accessible to the students, but strict and fair when handling disciplinary issues.
Irene finished her twenty-three year career in the Cobb County School System by taking a position in the county office where she retired in 2003 to spend more time with her family and grandchildren.
Irene was very active in the community serving in various positions in the West Cobb Rotary with her husband Frank. They were devoted members at Transfiguration Catholic Church and active in many different ministries.
Irene loved to entertain friends at home, hosting dinner parties and card nights. She enjoyed traveling the country with Frank in their RV, as well as boating and camping at Lake Allatoona. At the lake she was most relaxed in her hammock reading books, doing crossword puzzles and enjoying the company of her children and grandchildren.
She loved her television crime dramas, and often would say if she was not a teacher, she would have wanted to be a detective. An avid pet lover, Irene doted on her many dogs throughout her life. But most of all, she was a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother who inspired everyone she met to be the best they could be.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 22nd at 11:00 am at Transfiguration Catholic Church located at 1815 Blackwell Rd, Marietta, GA 30066.
Flowers can be sent to Georgia Funeral Care c/o Irene Simon, 4671 S. Main St. Acworth, GA 30101.
In lieu of flowers donations can be gifted to The Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Irene Simon.
