Simonne J. Maurus

Simonne J. Maurus, 95, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Thursday, December 24, 2020, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. A Celebration of Simonne’s Life will be scheduled in 2021 when the pandemic will not dictate terms of the celebration.

The former Simonne Jeanne Victorine Ketels was born May 21, 1925, in Brussels, Belgium; the daughter of Pierre Ketels and Annette Ketels (DeBuyl).

She was trained in a haute couture salon as a furrier, tailor, dressmaker, designer and pattern maker in Brussels, Belgium prior to World War 2. She met and married William Ira Moore in Brussels, Belgium and came to the United States as a war bride in 1945. William died August 21, 1974. She and William were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa. Simonne was a Cub Scout Den Leader, Assistant YMCA Swim Coach, and was active in the Jane Lamb Hospital Auxiliary, PEO, Meals on Wheels, Kings Daughters/Sons, church choir and Sweet Adelines. She and William enjoyed playing bridge.

Following her husband’s death, Simonne worked as the manager of Mladek’s Furs and as a salesperson at Brown’s Shoe Fit in Clinton, Iowa. She planned, organized, and hosted the 50 Year War Bride Reunion at Augusta College in 1995. She met Robert Maurus of Rock Island, Illinois and they were married in Rock Island in 1997. Simonne and Robert were active members of the Broadway Presbyterian Church in Rock Island. They were active in Quad Cities Music Guild performances and Sweet Adelines. Robert died October 14, 2005. Simonne had a life-long affectation for shoes, dancing, and opera.

Simonne is survived by four children, William Moore of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joseph Moore of Clinton, Iowa, Deborah Larsen of Phoenix, Arizona, and Richard Moore of Clinton, Iowa; 6 grandchildren; William Joseph, Blake, Michael, Richard, Alisha and Christopher and many great grand children and great, great grand children.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.