Grace Simoni

Grace Simoni was born in Grunberg, Lower Silesia, on September 16, 1950, and died in Lubbock, Texas on February 22, 2015. She earned her Engineering and Master of Science degrees and concluded her Doctoral studies in the field of biology/endocrinology. She was a talented scientist involved in all aspects of basic and applied medical research. In her 35 year long scientific career, of which she spent 25 years at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, she worked in the field of blood substitutes, co-inventing many technologies, particularly a novel orthogonal method for the removal of viruses and prion proteins and new clinical applications for blood substitutes such as erythropoiesis stimulating agents and perfusion fluid for percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. She also co-invented a novel preservation fluid to prolong red blood cell storage and prevent their lesion. Since 2002, she served as manager and scientific consultant/advisor to HemoBioTech, Inc., specializing in the synthesis of cross-linking agents and manufacturing of clinical grade blood substitutes. Her scientific activities were also related to investigation of patho-mechanisms of different health disorders and analytical support for clinical trials conducted in kidney disease and cardiac subjects. In her last 3 years at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, she also served as co-investigator of three R&D projects on extracorporeal blood cleansing adsorbing devices. Until her unexpected and premature death, she served as a R&D consultant to ImmutriX Therapeutics, Inc., and co-founder and Vice President of BioTech Affairs & Senior Scientist at Texas HemoBioTherapeutics & BioInnovation Center, focusing on hemosorbents for cleansing of blood from disease mediators, artificial oxygen carriers, biomaterials, artificial organs, and other aspects of biotechnology. She has published over 150 scientific papers, textbooks, book chapters, monographs, research abstracts and patents.

She was a good hearted, compassionate, accomplished woman with a strong interest in science, art and music, a perfect mother and amazing wife and this is how she will always be remembered.

Grace is survived by her husband of 38 years, Dr. Jan Simoni and beloved daughter Dr. Paula Simoni, along with her mother Irene, mother-in-law Elizabeth, sisters Alicia and Sofia, sisters-in-law Judge Marta Simoni, Dr. Sofia Simoni-Miedlar and Attorney Dorota Misior-Simoni, brothers-in-law Judge Adam Simoni and Dr. Andrew Miedlar, and other close family members.

In her memory, the family suggests donations to any organization that promotes current medical knowledge among physicians practicing in small town hospitals.

Services are pending under Resthaven Funeral Home and St John Neumann Catholic Church in Lubbock, Texas.