Sunday, November 15, 2026
Joanne Louise Simon Tailele, age 75, passed away in Naples, Florida on July 5, 2024, with her loving husband “Tai” Tailele, at her side.
Joanne was born Sept 23, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, the fourth child and only daughter to Howard and Bernice Simon. Joanne was a creative spirit from a young age, graduating from Boardman High School in 1966. Throughout her life, she sought adventure and traveled the country, finally finding her soulmate in Tai. Together they settled in Florida, where Joanne declared Marco Island her most loved place in the world. It was there she began writing commercially and founded Simon Publishing, LLC. At the time of her death, she was the author of 11 books, an active member of six literary associations including Marco Island Writers Association where she had served as president, and was a mentor to many other authors, both local and national.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Bernice, and sister-in-law Cori Simon. She is survived by Tai, her beloved husband of 27 years, children Candy Cooper (Mark Allen), Andrew Cooper (Cybil), Amy Richards (Jason), Terri Space (Todd), stepdaughter Eliana Byrd (Derrick), nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brothers Gene Simon (Patricia), Don Simon (Kay), Richard Simon, many nieces, nephews, and multitudes of friends who will miss her dearly.
A beachside memorial of Joanne’s life will take place with details from the family to follow.
7/11/2024 Coastal Breeze News
