Kathleen Helen Simpson

Kathleen Helen Simpson, age 95, passed away on January 20, 2021. Kathleen was a long-time resident of Livonia, Michigan. Born May 3, 1925, to the late Herman and Theresa (Voss) Abend, she would later marry Richard E. Simpson on January 31, 1948, at Redford Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan, where she had been a life-long member. Prior to Richard’s death, they celebrated 71 years of married life together.

During World War II, Kathleen and her friends would gather in the evenings at her parent’s table and write encouraging letters to everyone they knew who was serving in the war. As the war went on, and ally countries were invaded, Kathleen and her family could be found at church getting the latest war updates, praying for our troops and supporting one another.

After attending Redford High School (Detroit, Michigan), and then into her twenties, Kathleen worked at Walway Company and General Electric in Detroit. Throughout her married life, Kathleen supported her husband in the role of office secretary and handled the marketing for the family-owned Simpson Granite Works in Detroit, Michigan.

Kathleen left behind a legacy of faith for her family and friends. She and her husband were long-time, involved members of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Livonia, Michigan. She was active in the choir, Bible study, altar guild, ladies guild - Women In God’s Service (WINGS), and a myriad of other volunteer projects both at church and in the community. She also spent many years as a volunteer at the Pregnancy Counseling Center in Livonia, Michigan.

Singing in the church choir was a central activity to her week and playing piano was something she did from a young age and into her 90’s. Kathleen also liked to sew and make clothing for her family and doll clothes for her grandchildren’s toys. An avid reader, Kathleen also enjoyed baking, traveling, entertaining and regular card games. She looked forward to spending time with family and friends, and finding opportunities to play alongside her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kathleen was known by all to be a person who found the good in everything and everyone, and always made sure people felt comfortable in her home.

Kathleen is survived by her son Richard (Nancy) Simpson III, daughter Linda (Paul) Yantorni, daughter Patricia (Michael) Baskin, daughter-in-law Mary (Gordon) Chiasson; nine grandchildren: David (Tina) Simpson, Wendy (Wayne) Sit, Melissa (Carlos) Rosello, Matthew (Kristal) Yantorni, Mark (Elizabeth) Yantorni, Carley (Pablo) Davila, Aubrey (Kyle) Johnson, Madeleine Baskin and Andrew Baskin; nineteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Donald Mulder.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Emery Simpson; son, Roger Stewart Simpson; grandson, Richard E. Simpson IV; sister, Charlotte (Butler) Clave; sister, Arlene (Howard) Motzkus; and brother, Arnold (Judy) Abend.

Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will take place in Michigan at an undetermined later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

17810 Farmington Road

Livonia, Michigan 48152

Or a charity of your choice