Activist And Widow Of Reston Founder Dies At 81

RESTON, VA — Community activist and attorney Barbara Cheryl Terio-Simon, the widow of Reston founder Robert E. Simon Jr., died peacefully on Friday, according to her daughter, Karen Terio.

Born in Washington, D.C., Terio-Simon lived most of her life in the capital region, living the last 50 years as a resident and community activist in Reston.

Terio-Simon was fond of saying she was “raised by committee” due to the upbringing of her single mother, aunt, uncles, and grandmother. Her daughter said the extended Davenport family was her mother's immediate family.

An emeritus member of the Virginia Bar, Terio-Simon was legal counsel at the American Institute of Architects, the Associated General Contractors of America, and Ballard Spahr. She also chaired an American Bar Association Forum and served on the board of the National Coalition to Save Our Mall in D.C.

A Reston resident since 1969, Terio-Simon was active in the community, serving on the Reston Association's Design Review Board, Lake Anne Condominium Association, and Reston Historic Trust Board of Directors.

In 2017, Terio-Simon was instrumental in the effort to have Lake Anne Village Center added to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Park Service.

Terio-Simon was Robert Simon’s partner for 22 years. Married in 2004, they remained a couple until his death at the age of 101 in September 2015.

The Reston Association released the following statement on Monday, recognizing Terio-Simon's many contributions to the community.

“All of us at Reston Association and its Board are saddened to hear of the passing of Cheryl Simon. She was a tireless advocate for Reston and the preservation of the community, continuing the legacy of her husband, founder Bob Simon, after his passing in 2015. She was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Reston’s history and sense of community. She will be greatly missed.”

In 2022, Terio-Simon collaborated with Eric MacDicken to publish “Community Is What It Is All About, An Ode To Lake Anne," which she described as her "Ode to Lake Anne."

“Cheryl’s love for traveling, gardening, the arts, and sharing lake walks and good meals with friends was evident to all who knew her,” according to her daughter, who said her mother went by Cheryl. “She instilled these passions in her own children and it was a great source of joy and pride that the performing arts are vital to her grandchildren’s lives. She loved attending their performances.”

Terio-Simon is survived by her children, Karen and Adam, and their partners Dan and Sarah, respectively; as well as grandchildren Micah, Lillian and Abigail.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Donations in Cheryl’s honor can be made to the Reston Historic Trust or to Cornerstones.