Doris Simenson, former owner and publisher of the Plainfield Shopper and other Shopper publications, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012, at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet at the age of 83.

Robert and Doris Simenson started the popular Shopper Publications free weekly community newspapers based in Lockport in 1962. Over the years The Shopper, The Towne and Countre Shopper, The Jolly Shopper and the Plainfield Shopper circulated to area business and residences throughout the surrounding communities. The company was sold in 1988 to Copley Press.

Doris Simenson was active in many business and local charitable organizations. During her life, she pursued her interest in singing, which started in the choir at the Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Lockport, where she was a member. She went on to write her own copyrighted music over the years with composer Carl Gronemeyer doing much of her recording in Chicago.

Doris M. Simenson (nee Piper) was born in Chicago on Aug. 30, 1928. Her family later moved to Tinley Park before moving to Lockport to start The Shopper Publications.   

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and William Piper, and her sister, Marilyn (Gene) McFadden. She was also preceded in death by her son, Crest Hill Police Sgt. Timothy (Suzanne) Simenson, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1994, and son Robert (Sheryl) Simenson.  

Her wish was to be laid to rest between her sons Bob and Tim at the Plainfield Township Cemetery.  

She is survived by sons Daniel (Darcy) Simenson of Homer Township and Jonathan (Mary) Simenson of Minooka; sisters Diane (John) Mitchna of Country Club Hills and Jean (Robert) Bafia of Arizona; and brother William (Joanne) Piper of Chicago. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A memorial luncheon was held in her honor at Cemenos Restaurant in Joliet on Sunday, April 22, attended by many family and friends. Donations in her memory can be sent to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

Notes to the family can be sent to the Simenson’s, P.O. Box 391, Plainfield, IL 60544.