DeLaine Elizabeth Simon

DeLaine E. Simon, 68, of Salida died on August 2, 2020, at home after battling organ failure, with family and friends at her side. She was born May 12th, 1952, In Niceville, FL, to Etienne Simon and Mrytice ( Willingham ) Simon-Long.

In 1970 she graduated from Niceville High School, and then attended Tallahassee Community College for a Degree in Fashion Design. In 1974, DeLaine then began a successful modeling career with the Dott Burns Modeling Agency in Tampa FL. She was also photo-graphed by Dave Speicher for many years in Tampa FL, creating most of the designs featured by the agency.

After moving to Denver CO, she began a music career as a vocalist, in local rock and roll bands named Ace Pancakes, All Hands, and Kelly moon Group. She continued fashion wear for men and women as well while working for The Costume Shop in downtown Denver, as a lead designer. In 1982 she opened her first custom tailoring shop, CarLaine’s with business partner Carolyn Peterson.

DeLaine was married to Kelly McGinnis March 10th, 1984, and the two welcomed their only daughter Simone Star McGinnis on June 30th 1984. Then a dedicated mother, in autumn of 1990, she made the decision to move her business, opening Studio D in downtown Salida, in order to be closer to her parents, Mrytice and Jerry Long of Salida. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, and worked there for many years, alongside her mother and step-father.

Ms. Simon was known around town as “D” and provided most of the town with a wig or a mask at some point. She provided tuxedos to young men for High School Prom, Wedding Dresses were custom made for brides, and suits fitted for gangsters in “The Old West Days”. She was involved in multiple theatre productions including High Country Fine Arts Association, Salida High School, and the Salida Steam Plant. D was costume designer for the bills: The King and I, Oliver, Annie, A Christmas Carol, My Fair Lady, Dracula, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and many more. DeLaine donated time and service to many Salida School District events as well as events like “The lighting of the Christmas Tree” and “The Great Gatsby Ball”.

Ms Simon was preceded in death by her parents, Etienne S. and Mrytice L.; step-father, Jerry L and boyfriend, Nolan R. Survivors include her daughter, Simone S. McGinnis, and many other family and friends.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Delaine’s family has been refused the right to hold a memorial service of over 10 people anywhere in Salida in 2020. Therefore, Delaine’s memorial will be postponed until local government and travel restrictions are lifted. We have chosen to wait until everyone interested would be allowed and safe to attend. We apologize for the delayed release of this information, however the tentative idea is as followed: October 31st 2021, Salida Colorado, We would like to honor DeLaine Simon with a celebration of life and love. We plan to gather in costume and will be singing karaoke in her honor. we will provide accommodations, and hope that this timeline will allow more time for more people to be able to attend. 
 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. 

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