Obituary
Rivian Simon (née Harris), aged 84 years old, passed away March 5, 2022. Rivian was born in Duluth, MN, the daughter of late Jack and Libby (née Popkin) Harris; cherished mother of Leanne (Mark) and David (Sandy); doting grandmother of Jason, Jessica, Brian and Benjamin; beloved sister of Max (Carole); treasured aunt and great-aunt, cousin and lifelong friend to many.
Rivian grew up in a Navy family, moving about every two years. She lived in 5 different states and ultimately made her home in Evanston, IL.
She graduated from Senn High School in Chicago and attended University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, then at Navy Pier. Received her B.A. in Education from Roosevelt University and attended Northeastern Illinois University for graduate school.
Rivian was a preschool, second grade and special education teacher for 29 years. She developed and implemented a self-contained program for learning disabled students.
She was loving, nurturing, creative and had a great sense of humor. Rivian loved animals and volunteered at the Lincoln Park Zoo for over 20 years. She loved travel (especially Italy), skiing, ice skating, bowling, woodcarving and being an amateur ham radio operator and a member of the Evanston peregrine falcon watch group.
She also loved music, art, dancing, the Chicago Cubs, chocolate gelato and most of all, family.
Private burial was held at Shalom Memorial Park. Donations can be made to: The Alzheimer's Association or Lincoln Park Zoo.