ALTAMONT — Vaughan M. (née Fredendall) Simons, a mother who loved local history, died on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Colonie. She was 96.

Born in Altamont, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Gladys Keenholts Fredendall. She was the wife of the late Charles C. Simons.

“Vaughan attended school in Altamont,” her family wrote in a tribute, “living just outside of the Village as an adult.

“An avid collector, Vaughan had given her love to local history. She saved and collected a number of articles and artifacts, which have been donated to the historical society for the town of Guilderland.”

****

Vaughan M. Simons is survived by her daughter, Karen Engel, and by her granddaughters Kelly, Brett, and Leigh Engel.

Her parents and her husband died before her, as did her son, Kerry C. Simons, and her sister, Wanda Berschwinger.

Services were held privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to her church: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 140 Maple Ave., Altamont, NY 12009.