Troy--Mary L. “Betty” (Blandshaw) Simon, 73, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2017. Born on February 11, 1944 in Greeleyville, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Geneva (Capers) Blandshaw. She attended school in Williamsburg County, SC. Betty moved to New York in her early twenties, eventually settled in Troy and married Thomas Simon. She worked for Bendix Allied before accepting a position at General Electric where after many years she retired. Betty was a very active lifetime member of The Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy, where she was a member of the Steward’s Board, the Usher Board and the Women of Worship (WOW). She was also a proud member for more than 20 years of the International Free & Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern Star.

Betty was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend to many. She will be remembered for her ability to make you laugh and her unwavering friendship. Betty was loved by all who knew her and will be missed.

Betty is survived by her children: Myron “Buz” and Monica (Herman Rivera) Simon; her sister Patricia Blandshaw-Fuller and her children Andre and Aaron Fuller; her brother, Marion “Mack” Simon; her granddaughter, Ellide (LaMarcus) Smith and their children, Ian, Austin and Madison; her niece and nephew that she raised as her grandchildren: Genika (Carvell) Blandshaw-Griffin and their children, London, Osjah, Quavell and Kyvell and Dante Blandshaw and his children, Daija and Sasha; an aunt, an uncle and several nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her brother LeVern M. Blandshaw (Anita).

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30 at The Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, 189 Fifth Avenue, Troy, NY. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens, Colonie.