Mary Darlene Simon

Service will be live streamed at 11am on S.L. McLaughlin Facebook page and our YouTube page,

Mary Darlene Simon, 60, embraced eternal rest in the warmth of her home, surrounded by the love of her devoted daughters, on May 26, 2025, at 7:45 a.m. Her journey was marked by unwavering strength and resilience as she bravely battled lung cancer for 21 months.

Mary Darlene Simon was born on January 19, 1965, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, New York. She was named after her grandmother, Mary Dukes (Mackey Spann), and was affectionately known as Darlene by her family and friends. The youngest daughter of Wilhelmena Spann Simon and the late Herman Simon, she later married Adam Shaibu in October 1992. Together, they have two daughters.

Darlene was a lifelong parishioner and active member of Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy, NY. She served as Vice President for the Young People's Congress of the Albany District, participated in Sunday school, and sang with the Voice of Zion Choir.

Darlene was educated in the Troy public school system, later graduating from Hudson Valley Community Collegeand Monroe College (Magna Cum Laude). Most recently, she obtained her Master's in Human Resource Management from Stony Brook University.

Her longest employment was with AHRC of Nassau County, where she achieved her highest title as Assistant Director of Residential Services. She also pursued various side employment and business endeavors throughout her professional career. Her own business, Defining Unique Vision, functioned as an independent brokerage serving the OPWDD community, a role in which she took great pride in supporting adults and children with disabilities.

Darlene was known for her caring spirit and, in good health, her desire to always enjoy life. She loved traveling, shopping, discussing current events, spending time with loved ones, and, most importantly, being a devoted mother to her children and a safe space for their friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Herman Simon. She leaves behind her loving mother, Wilhelmena Simon; her two daughters, Aisha Shaibu and Zainab Shaibu-Gunter (Darrell) of Queens, NY; and one precious grandson, Enzi Elijah Gunter. She is also survived by her godson, Sanquan Floyd of Atlanta, GA, and her bonus daughter, Channon Smith.

Her siblings include Francelle Simonand Phyllis Simon of Troy, NY, Patrick Simon of Chester, VA, and Herman Simon (Dawn) of Elliot City, MD.

Her beloved aunts: Sylinda Hammettof Troy, NY, Geneva Dorothy Spann of Menands, NY, and Laura Simon of Manning, SC. Her grand-aunts: FreettaDukes of Colonie, NY, and Louise Riggins (Luther) of Manning, SC.

Her nieces and nephews: Cameron & Brianna Simon of Petersburg and Chester, VA, Nick Simon of Elliot City, MD, Lee Simon of Arlington, VA, and Anthony Simon of Nehalem, OR.

She is also survived by a host of cousins and loving friends.

The family would like to send a special thank you to everyone who contributed to the care of Mary Darlene Simon or provided support to her family and children. You have their eternal gratitude.

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