Mrs. Jean E. Simpson died on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Home in Danvers following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She leaves a loving husband, Harold, and four sons who live across the country. Son David lives in Winter Springs, Fla. Son Mark lives with his wife, Robin, in Orlando. Son Douglas lives in Missouri City, Tex., with his wife, Cheryl Yetz. Her son Bruce lives in San Jose, Calif. She also leaves four grandchildren: Bradley, a senior at Florida State University; Ryan, a sophomore, also at Florida State University; Megan, a senior at Masconomet Regional High School; and Brooke, an eighth-grader at the Masconomet Regional Middle School.
Jean was born in Boston and grew up in Roslindale. She graduated from Boston Girls High School and attended a secretarial school. She then worked as a secretary for the Vice Chairman of the Woolworth's New England branch in Boston. In April 1955 she married Harold. In early April 1956, she left Woolworth's and became a mother. She continued as a homemaker until her youngest son Bruce was in middle school. At that point she returned to work as a secretary, eventually working for Smith & Ireland Accountants for many years. During this period she was very active in volunteering at the Hamilton Elementary Schools and also at her church.
She enjoyed both bowling and water aerobics until physical problems with her breathing forced her to stop. She and the family also enjoyed camping in their 'pop-up' trailer. The first long trip was across the country to visit DisneyLand, many years before the theme park opened in Orlando. Most of their camping was done in National Parks and National Forests where they enjoyed evening programs put on by the Park Rangers. Long trips followed to cover New York State, Washington D.C., and many historical landmarks, as well as a trip to Florida.
After the boys had grown, she and Harold enjoyed both ocean cruising and visiting other countries. Among her favorite places were Israel, Egypt and Italy. Other trips included the Copper Canyon in Mexico, a 'Grand Tour of Europe', and Costa Rica. Among the many cruises, two stood out. One was with her boys and their wives to Alaska, while the other trip was with Harold's brothers and sisters through the Caribbean.
Jean was a very warm, friendly and personable lady. She enjoyed meeting people and making new friends. She will be sorely missed by all of us.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Wenham, 1 Arbor St., Wenham, Monday, March 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Campbell-Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Jean’s memory to the Lions Club District 33N, 11 Martel Road, So. Hamilton, MA 01982. Information, directions and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
