Vaughan M. Simons

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 19:05

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.

More Obituaries

  • John E. Crosier Jr.

    EAST BERNE — John E. Crosier Jr., a veteran who deeply loved his family and served his community, was a lifelong resident of East Berne.

    He died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. He was 88.

  • Bruce James Larsen

    HILLTOWNS — Bruce James Larsen died on Monday, March 9, peacefully at home, surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on Aug. 7, 1949, he was 76.

    “Bruce was, in every sense of the phrase, one of the last real men,” his family wrote in a tribute. 

  • Manuel James Mosbey

    Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. — Manuel “Moe” James Mosbey, a Korean War veteran, loved playing the saxophone and was always ready to help others.

    “He went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026,” his family wrote in a tribute. He was 94.

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.