Obituary of Dorothy Marie Simons

Dorothy Marie Koval Simons, 82, of Morgantown, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at her residence. She was the daughter of the late John and Irene Koval. Dorothy coached girls basketball from the early 1970's until 1989, becoming one of the winningest coaches in the state of West Virginia. She won three state championships and earned her spot as an inaugural member of the St. Francis High School Hall of Fame. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching physical education and being a guidance counselor to many of her students with whom she had a positive impact on their lives. Dorothy enjoyed many activities including swimming, dancing, and tennis, as well as walking her dog, Daisy. She was an outstanding mother and grandmother, and most of all enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Dorothy worked alongside her husband, Bernie, in the insurance business for many years until they both retired. In her later years, Dorothy loved spending time with Carole Koval, Charolette Bolyard, and Roger Brown shopping and going to restaurants. Dorothy was Catholic by faith and was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church. The family would like to recognize her wonderful neighbors and friends, Rosemary Cianfrocco, Carol Wooton, and Donna Scott. The family would also like to give a special thank you to a true family friend, Rex Wolfe, who was a tremendous help throughout her battle with lung cancer caused by the covid vaccine. Dorothy is survived by her sons, Bernie Michael "Butch" Simons, of Pittsburgh and Stephen James Simons, of Morgantown; grandchildren Allison Graziani of Pittsburgh, Nicolette Marie Simons of Pittsburgh, and Laila Simons of Masontown, PA; great grandchildren, Arlo and Mateo Graziani; as well as a brother, Stephen Koval, and his wife Jackie, of Morgantown. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Bernard "Bernie" Wilson Simons, son, John Edward Simons, John Koval of Morgantown, Wilma Richie (Paul) of Louisville, KY, and Julia Thomas (Don) of Taylortown, PA. Friends and family will be received at St Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3346 University Ave., Star City, WV, on Sunday, January 7th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, and again on Monday, January 8th from 10am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, with Father John McDonough as celebrant. One of Dorothy's greatest wishes was for her granddaughter to get a college education. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy's memory can be made to Laila Simons' college education fund at 390 Jacobs Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505. Online condolences can be made to the family at hastingsfuneralhome.com