Obituary of Jean Maria Simpson

April 24, 1929 – April 16, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Maria Simpson (nee Purdy). Jean went to be with her Lord the evening of April 16, 2023 at the age of 93 years.

Jean was born to Wesley and Clara Purdy on April 24, 1929 on a farm near Keystown, SK. She was the sixth child out of eight and so had plenty of help getting into mischief. By the time Jean was school aged, the family was living in Moose Jaw, SK. Jean excelled at school, but was also very artistic and hard working. At the age of 17, Jean was accidentally run over by a train on her way to work. This incident did not slow her down, as she worked hard at the rehabilitation hospital in Toronto and came back with a certificate in stenography. She then continued with correspondence courses to earn a secretarial arts certificate.

In 1952 Jean moved to Calgary to join some of her siblings. It is here that she began her career with Revenue Canada, a position she would hold until her retirement 30 years later in 1987. Her move to Calgary also afforded her the opportunity to meet her future husband George Simpson, who she would marry in 1957 and love until the very end.

Jean and George had a wonderful life together.  For 65 years they travelled, camped, played whist, volunteered with their church and several handicap associations, worked on their house and just enjoyed the life that they shared.  Additionally, Jean sat on the boards of the Calgary Handi-Bus Foundation and the Rehabilitation Society of Calgary, to name but two.  Jean was a determined activist, and she was instrumental in getting early accessibility rules and regulations put in place in Calgary and across Alberta.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Wesley & Clara Purdy; George’s parents, James & Margaret Simpson; and six of her siblings:  Lloyd (Anne) Purdy, Dorothy (John) Duchak, Florence (Stan) Klepacki, Earl (Hazel) Purdy, Harold (Margaret) Purdy, and Violet (Hugh) McKinnon.  She was also predeceased by several of her in-laws.  Jean is survived by her brother Andrew (Carol) Purdy of Chilliwack, BC, sister-in-law Arlene Simpson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was devoted to her family and friends and went out of her way to always make any event a special one. She was also very committed to her church and her faith. Jean gave a lot both spiritually and in time and donations. Even when she could no longer attend services, Jean would always be in the front row watching a Sunday service from home. It is due to this faith that we know that Jean has left us for a better place.

Jean will be interred in Queen’s Park Cemetery in a private ceremony. A memorial to her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 703 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary. Reception to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be viewed and shared here.

If friends desire, donations may be made to a charity of their choice.

In living memory of Jean Simpson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Jean Simpson's Memorial Card