Cornelia Femia Hendereina Overduin Simon, known to all as Cari, passed away on Tuesday February 18, 2025 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia.

The eldest daughter of Leo and Roenie Overduin, Cari was born on September 17, 1954 in her parent's home in Leiden, Netherlands.  Cari was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  She was a career educator, amazing listener, and an inspiration for many people.  Cari had two sons, Matt and Brett with Burt Simon.

Cari spent her early year's abroad due to her father's occupation and later settled in the United States.  She became a US citizen in 1996.  Cari graduated from Laurel High School in 1972.  She graduated from the University of Maryland in 1976 and 1977 respectively, where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in French Literature and the other in Secondary Foreign Language Education.  In 1991 she earned a Masters of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Maryland College.

Cari seemed to find more time in the day than humanly possible.  She juggled the role of wife and mother, along with a teaching career that spanned over 35 years in Prince George's County, Maryland and Clark County, Virginia.  Cari had a skill for languages and spoke six fluently.  She immersed herself in culture and traveled the world with her French and Spanish students, family, and friends.  After retirement she privately tutored and became very active in the local community.

Cari was a member of Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (West Virginia) where  she shared her love for music as a member of the choir.  She played many roles within the church including usher, caregiver, and hospitality lead.  In 2019, Cari became the Shepherdstown Shares Food Pantry Coordinator, which combined her wonderful organizational skills with her care and empathy for others.  In between the hustle and bustle of caring for others, Cari somehow found the time to swim, walk, read, attend concerts, spend time with grandchildren, and show off her intelligence and competitiveness with dear friends in various social settings.

Everyone who interacted with Cari experienced her wicked sensor of humor, sharp whit, expressive smile, and candid Dutch personality.  Cari changed the lives of others through her teaching, friendship, and selfless service.  She will be deeply missed.

Cari is survived by her two sisters, Jeroentje De Jong - Overduin and Els Overduin, two sons Matthew L. Simon and Brett L. Simon, and two grandchildren Charles H. Simon and Macey E. Simon.

A Memorial Service (open to all) will be held at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 W Washington Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443 at 10:30AM on Saturday March 1, 2025.  Following the service, a reception (open to all) will be held at the Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 E German Street Shepherdstown, West Virginia, 25443.

In lieu of flowers, please give/donate to Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church at https://www.shepherdstownpresbyterian.org or to Shepherdstown Shares at https://shepherdstownshares.org.