Obituary of Jean W. Simpson

Jean W. Simpson passed away on September 10, 2015, her 84th birthday, in the Alzheimer’s unit at her assisted-living facility in Manteca, California. Born September 10, 1931 the daughter of Clarence and Anna Wheeler in Hackettstown NJ where she lived until she moved to Potsdam to attend Potsdam State. Her older brother Albert recognized her potential and encouraged her and helped fund her tuition at Potsdam. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Music in 1953 and a Master of Science in Elementary Education in 1956. She also received a Certificate in Administration from Syracuse University in 1966. After graduating from Potsdam State, Jean started her teaching career at the Adams Union Free School in September 1953 where she taught 5th and 6th grade. She returned to Potsdam in 1956 to teach 4th and 7th grades at the Campus School. Jean married Roy W. Simpson on December 14th, 1957 at his home on Hungerford Ave in Adams, NY. She continued her career in education in Adams in 1959 teaching 6th grade, later becoming principal at Adams Elementary in 1965. She took a leave of absence from South Jeff for the 1972/73 school year to serve as a regional planner for schools in the North Country region. She was Assistant Superintendent responsible for Curriculum and Instruction when she retired in 1984. Jean served the community beyond her role as an educator. She worked on the Jerry Lewis Telethon for MDA at the WWNY TV studio and the annual auction at public TV (WNPE/WNPI) station in Watertown for many years. She was also a member of the Adams Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. After retirement she moved to San Francisco Bay Area where her daughter Rea was living. She loved California and spent her retirement continuing to serve the community through her numerous volunteer activities. She was very active in the Lion’s Club, a passion she got from her husband Roy. She traveled around the Bay Area testing pre-school children for Amblyopia (lazy eye) until the state established a program for this testing. She measured and categorized thousands of donated eye glasses and hearing aids for the Lions. One of her most rewarding experiences was when she traveled to the country of Mexico to participate in an eye clinic where people came from miles around to have their eyes checked and receive glasses some of which she had processed prior to the trip. Roy passed away in February 1981 and her granddaughter Teresa in May 2009. She was also predeceased by her brothers Albert and Ernest and her sister Ruth. Jean is survived by her sons Buzz (Amy) Simpson of Rodman, NY and Bob (Pat) Simpson of Adams, NY and daughter Rea (Mike Miller) Simpson of Livermore, CA, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to stop by the Adams Fire Hall on November 8th from 2:00 – 4:00 to celebrate Jean’s life with her family. Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the Adams Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, PO Box 72, Adams, NY 13605 or Alzheimer’s Association, Northern California and Northern Nevada, 2290 North First Street, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95131