04/18/2026
❤️ A Life of Love, Laughter, and Belonging: Remembering Rene Simioni ❤️
It is with both joy and sorrow that we remember Rene Simioni—sorrow that she is no longer with us, and joy in the beautiful, lasting difference she made in our Ravenwood family. Even now, as we reflect on her life, her presence still feels close—woven into our stories, our laughter, and our hearts.
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🌺 Finding Her Place
When Rene first moved into our community last September, there was a bit of uncertainty. Would she be happy here? Would she like us?
“I don’t think she liked me very much,” Rev. Rickey once joked.
But if you were there at our Valentine’s coronation—when he crowned her Princess—you know that whatever reservations she may have had quickly melted away. In their place grew connection, laughter, and a sense of belonging that became unmistakable.
And not long after arriving, Rene said something we will never forget:
“I am right where I need to be. I belong here.”
And she truly did.
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✝️ A Woman of Faith
Within just a few weeks of Rene attending his morning devotionals, Rev. Rickey spoke of her with deep conviction, calling her a true Woman of God.”
“Her love… she has so much love,” he said.
Her faith was not just something she spoke about—it was something she lived. Whether in Bible study discussions or quiet moments of encouragement, her love for the Lord shone through in everything she did.
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🤝 A True Friend
Rene had a quiet, beautiful way of noticing others—especially those who needed a friend.
She would sit beside them, listen without rushing, and offer companionship without expectation. There was nothing performative about her kindness. It came naturally, from a heart full of genuine care.
She didn’t seek recognition. She simply loved.
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😄 Her Wit & Spirit
If there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s this: Rene was unforgettable.
“She was spunky and witty,” Terrie shared. “She kept me on my toes—you never knew what she’d say next!”
And it was true. Rene had a gift for humor that could turn even the simplest moment into something delightful. Her timing was impeccable, and her spirit absolutely magnetic.
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🛐 Wonderfully Unique
Rene was truly one of a kind.
Her friend Diana recalled meeting her at Evangel Temple where they both attended church:
“She was cheery and smiled a lot. She didn’t hesitate to speak her mind—and I liked that. You always knew where she stood.”
Whether sharing her thoughts in Bible study or exploring her family history with friends, Rene brought curiosity, honesty, and warmth into every space she entered.
“She loved God deeply,” Diana said. “And I know she is with Him now… perhaps catching up with dear friends and continuing those wonderful conversations.”
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👑 Our Princess & Her Hilarity
When asked if she would reign as our Valentine’s Princess, Rene’s eyes lit up.
“What do you want me to do?” she asked.
“Just be yourself and have fun.”
And that, of course, she did effortlessly.
When Rev. Rickey went to place the crown on her head, he hesitated. Rene leaned in and reassured him:
“It’s okay—I’m wearing a wig so the crown will get caught in it. It won’t go anywhere,” she whispered.
“I thought he was going to lose it!” she later laughed.
Between the two of them, the moment turned into pure comedy. We still lovingly refer to it as the “Rickey & Rene Show”—and we’re still laughing thinking about it.
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📚 A Life Well Lived
Rene shared that she had once been a library director. When asked about it, she quipped:
“I didn’t know what I was doing, so I hired people who would make me look good.”
That was Rene—humble, humorous, and quick with a perfectly timed line.
She also spoke of her days picking cotton—memories not especially fond, but ones that connected her to others who had shared similar experiences. Even in hardship, she found ways to build bonds.
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🏡 A Beautiful Life Reflected
Her apartment was as thoughtfully put together as she was—elegant, meaningful, and full of love. Thanks to her daughter Tamara and son-in-law Bob, every detail reflected a life rich with memories.
She loved sharing those stories.
Holding a photo of her husband, she would say with pride, “He was a good man… and not bad to look at either!”
Her eyes would light up as she spoke of loved ones—each story a glimpse into the depth of her heart.
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✨ Elegant, Yet Playful
Rene carried herself with grace and sophistication every day—always polished, always classy.
And yet, she delighted in the simplest joys.
At our Valentine’s coronation, she received a plush gorilla as a gift. Later, she was found gently holding it, cheek to cheek.
“I’ve named him Barron, after my younger brother,” she said softly. “I loved him so much.”
That was Rene—refined, yet tender; dignified, yet full of childlike warmth.
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🎶 A Sense of Humor About Everything
Rene loved to sing… even if others didn’t agree.
“People always wanted me to sing far, far away,” she joked. “They finally let me join the choir—as long as I promised to just move my lips!”
She could find humor in anything—and she made sure others did too.
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🍪 A Heart for the Next Generation
When she met Rebecca and her daughters—Ellie, Ashlynn, and Mahaley—a special bond formed instantly.
Learning they shared a background in Girl Scouts delighted her. She encouraged the girls wholeheartedly:
“Stay in Girl Scouts—you won’t regret it.”
The girls adored her, and she adored them right back. Their time together was filled with easy conversation, warm hugs, and genuine affection.
“Rene was one of a kind,” Rebecca shared. “Kind, positive, and full of life. She will be dearly missed. No one could ever take her place.”
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📸 The Model & The Joy of Being Silly
With her grace and poise, it came as no surprise that Rene had modeled in her younger years.
But she also loved to be silly.
“I like to have fun,” she’d say, offering up a stream of playful expressions for the camera. Each photo captured not just her beauty, but her spirit—vibrant, joyful, and full of life.
Time with Rene was always a gift.
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💞 A Place That Will Always Be Hers
Rene didn’t just live at Ravenwood—she became part of its heart.
She brought laughter where it was needed, comfort where it was missing, and love wherever she went.
And though we miss her deeply, we are so grateful—grateful for every story, every smile, every moment she shared with us.
As she once said, “I belong here.”
And she always will.
Because in a very real and lasting way, Rene Simioni belongs not just in our memories—but in the love she leaves behind, a love that continues to shape who we are.
And perhaps that is her greatest gift of all. 💙
