Beverly Seigal Simowitz, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and passionate advocate, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025. Her life was marked by unwavering dedication to family, music, lifelong learning, and advocacy.

Born in 1937, Beverly pursued higher education at Northwestern University before completing her studies at Washington University.  She began what would become a lifelong commitment to education as a teacher in St. Louis.

In the early 1960s, she was teaching in Arlington, Virginia, when she met Dr. Fredric Simowitz, the man who lived across the hall from her apartment.  Their chance meeting blossomed into a profound love that would span more than five decades.  They were married for 53 years until Fred’s passing in 2019.

Together, Beverly and Fred raised two children, Lynn (David) Phillips and Mark.  Beverly’s greatest joy was her children, and she was particularly dedicated to her son, Mark, who has developmental disabilities.  As his fiercest advocate, she fought tirelessly to ensure he received every opportunity to succeed.  Her advocacy extended beyond her family, as she campaigned at the state capital for the rights of people with disabilities, helping to transform the educational landscape for disabled students throughout the St. Louis County school system.  Her tenacity in standing up for what she believed in was legendary among those who knew her.

While she set aside her formal teaching career to manage her husband’s medical practice, Beverly never stopped being an educator at heart.  In the 1970s and early 1980s, she volunteered to teach music in Special School District classes that lacked dedicated music programs.  Later, she became a docent for the St. Louis Symphony, sharing her knowledge and passion for music with concertgoers of all ages.  In her later years, she taught Mah Jong to local groups and individuals, imparting her expertise in a game she played with remarkable skill.

Music was a central passion in Beverly’s life.  She and Fred were generous supporters of the St. Louis Symphony, cherishing the time they spent attending concerts together.  A highly accomplished pianist herself, Beverly possessed the extraordinary ability to play almost any piece by ear after hearing it just once or twice.  She was a favorite “go-to” pianist in her community groups.

Beverly was a proud member of Pioneers, a literature and research group for women who are lifelong learners. After joining in 1982, she researched and presented 20 papers over 20 years, and at the time of her passing, was one of the group’s longest-tenured members.

Beverly is survived by her children, Mark and Lynn (David) Phillips, her granddaughter, Rachel Phillips, three brothers, Bruce (the late Leda) Seigal, Gary (Jacqueline) Seigal, and Steve (the late Alice) Seigal, her cherished cousin, Marlene Zafft, and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Those wishing to honor Beverly’s memory are encouraged to make donations to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or the St. Louis ARC, two causes that remained close to her heart throughout her remarkable life.

Memorial service Friday, May 23, at noon at Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 with a reception to follow at the Saint Louis Club, 7676 Forsyth Blvd Floor 5, Clayton, MO 63105. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE