S Elizabeth 'Betty' Willard (Brown) Simpso

WORCESTER – Elizabeth “Betty” Willard (Brown) Simpson, 87, of Brattle Street, died on Thursday, October 18, 2007, in Radius HealthCare Center of Worcester following an illness.

She is survived by her husband, the Reverend Dr. Donald A. Simpson of Worcester; two grandchildren, Melissa “Lisa” Simpson of Roslindale, MA and James Simpson of Kettering, OH; daughter-in-law, Catherine Simpson of South Ryegate, VT; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, Curtis B. Simpson of Holden, and brothers Robert and James. She was born on January 25, 1920 in Monroe Bridge, Massachusetts, daughter of Robert and Harriet “Hattie” C. (Willard) Brown. She was raised in Vermont, Maryland and Holyoke, MA, where she attended Holyoke High School. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Betty and Don were married in 1943 and she devoted herself to supporting his ministries at Enfield Congregational Church in Enfield, CT, and East Church (Congregational) in Springfield, MA. She also worked as Don’s secretary during the 20 years he served the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. She spent many years working with Memorial Foundation for the Blind in Worcester as Secretary and serving on the Board of Directors. She also volunteered at the United Congregational Church Food Cupboard. She was a member of United Congregational Church in Worcester.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Simpson will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 3, in the United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Road, Worcester. Burial services at Grove Cemetery, Holden, will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Foundation for the Blind, 799 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606; or the United Congregational Church Food Cupboard, 6 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is directing arrangements.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com