Barbara Cheryl Terio-Simon, speaker at the Reinstallation Ceremony of the Lakeside Pharmacy Icons in September 2019.
Barbara Cheryl Terio-Simon died Friday, April 25, at the age of 81. Born in Washington, D.C. in March of 1944, Terio-Simon moved to Reston in 1969. She was a community activist and philanthropist, and the partner and wife for 22 years of developer Robert E. Simon Jr., the founder of Reston, until he died in 2015. The couple married in 2004.
Terio-Simon collaborated with Eric MacDicken to write the book “Community Is What It Is All About: An Ode to Lake Anne,” in 2022. The book elucidates Robert E. Simon Jr.'s vision and inspiration for Lake Anne and how the architecture and its public art serve his vision, contributing to the goal of creating a space for community interaction.
Terio-Simon became the architect and visionary behind the 2019 reinstallation of the Reston Lakeside Pharmacy icons, participating in all aspects of the project, including selecting contractors, design layout, permit acquisition, and fundraising. The 1960s Pop Art movement's collection of storefront iconography was a reflection of her husband Bob Simon's pursuit of playful artwork on the plaza. ”This installation would certainly not exist without Cheryl's leadership,” said dedication speaker Carolyn Flitcroft, chair of the Reston Historic Trust & Museum.
Terio-Simon served as vice chair of the Reston Historic Trust & Museum and, along with the museum's chair, dedicated several years to compiling the essential information that resulted in the National Park Service's official recognition of the Lake Anne Village Center Historic District in 2017. Subsequently, this district was designated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
Terio-Simon was vice chair of the Design Review Board of the Reston Association, president of the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association, and served on the Board of Trustees for the Reston Historic Trust.
An emeritus member of the Virginia Bar, Terio-Simon earned a Bachelor of Arts in government and politics from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law. She was "Of Counsel" with Ballard Spahr Andrews and Ingersoll, LLP. She also worked as director of government relations for the American Institute of Architects, among other things, lobbying for the Berne Implementation Act of 1988, providing copyright protection for architectural drawings and specifications. She also worked for the American Institute of Architects and served as Construction Law Counsel to the Associated General Contractors of America. She served on the board of directors for the National Coalition to Save Our Mall in 2005. Terio-Simon was a member of the International Fraternity of Lambda Alpha, a society that connects land economics professionals worldwide.
Upon learning of Terio-Simon’s death, Reston Community Center posted on social media that she dedicated herself to preserving the spirit of Reston, honoring her late husband, Bob Simon. “Cheryl's work went beyond simple activism; she brought the community together through her volunteer efforts and love for Reston’s history. She had a gift for connecting people and creating a strong sense of belonging among residents.”
Terio-Simon lived in Alexandria at the time of her death. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Karen Terio, and son Adam Terio, their partners Dan and Sarah, respectively, and grandchildren Abigail, Micah, and Lillian. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
In honor of Cheryl Terio-Simon, donations can be made to the Reston Historic Trust and Museum or Cornerstones.