Arlene Palmer Simpson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in San Diego on Sunday, December 28, 2025. She was 95.
Arlene was born in Frazee, Minnesota, and grew up on a dairy farm just outside of town. She attended the first eight grades of school in a one-room schoolhouse with 36 students and one teacher, completing two grades in a single year. Arlene graduated from high school when she was 16.
In her early 20s, she and a friend set out for California in search of adventure. During a brief stay with a relative in Fallbrook, they were encouraged to find work in San Diego and stay for the summer. Arlene took a job at Ryan Aeronautical and quickly fell in love with the sun, the sea, and the sand. San Diego became her home for the rest of her life, and she thrived there.
While working at Ryan, Arlene met Bob Simpson. They were married on April 15, 1955, and shared 50 years of marriage before Bob's battle with cancer ended his life in October 2005.
After moving to San Diego, Arlene learned to swim and went on to teach swimming to children through the Backyard Swim Program. She later learned to sail and became a respected and admired competitor, racing Sabots for many years with the Sexy Sabot Sailing Set. She went on to win national championships. Arlene loved traveling, visiting Turkey, Cuba, Costa Rica, France, and New Zealand, among many others. She was also an avid skier, a tireless hiker, and an accomplished golfer, even scoring two hole-in-ones. She was always eager for her next outdoor adventure.
Arlene loved her family fiercely. She is survived by her children Julia Montgomery (Jim), Gwen Mathews (Gary), and Jay Simpson (Patricia); her grandchildren Evan Maynard, Max Maynard, Danielle Minard (Zach), Kristen Tucker (Justin), Allison Peyton (Travis), and Luc Simpson; and her great-grandchildren Fitz Minard, Remington and Grace Tucker, and Hazel Peyton.
Deeply committed to her community, Arlene became a passionate advocate for Balboa Park and researched and wrote a history of the Balboa Park Carousel.
Arlene will be remembered as a naturally curious, strong, positive, and fearless woman—a shining gem who brought light and strength to everyone lucky enough to know her.
The Simpson family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Arlene's caregiver, Maria Beaza, whose compassion, dedication, and kindness meant so much to Arlene and her family.
A celebration of Arlene's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forever Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, or the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Arlene was born in Frazee, Minnesota, and grew up on a dairy farm just outside of town. She attended the first eight grades of school in a one-room schoolhouse with 36 students and one teacher, completing two grades in a single year. Arlene graduated from high school when she was 16.
In her early 20s, she and a friend set out for California in search of adventure. During a brief stay with a relative in Fallbrook, they were encouraged to find work in San Diego and stay for the summer. Arlene took a job at Ryan Aeronautical and quickly fell in love with the sun, the sea, and the sand. San Diego became her home for the rest of her life, and she thrived there.
While working at Ryan, Arlene met Bob Simpson. They were married on April 15, 1955, and shared 50 years of marriage before Bob's battle with cancer ended his life in October 2005.
After moving to San Diego, Arlene learned to swim and went on to teach swimming to children through the Backyard Swim Program. She later learned to sail and became a respected and admired competitor, racing Sabots for many years with the Sexy Sabot Sailing Set. She went on to win national championships. Arlene loved traveling, visiting Turkey, Cuba, Costa Rica, France, and New Zealand, among many others. She was also an avid skier, a tireless hiker, and an accomplished golfer, even scoring two hole-in-ones. She was always eager for her next outdoor adventure.
Arlene loved her family fiercely. She is survived by her children Julia Montgomery (Jim), Gwen Mathews (Gary), and Jay Simpson (Patricia); her grandchildren Evan Maynard, Max Maynard, Danielle Minard (Zach), Kristen Tucker (Justin), Allison Peyton (Travis), and Luc Simpson; and her great-grandchildren Fitz Minard, Remington and Grace Tucker, and Hazel Peyton.
Deeply committed to her community, Arlene became a passionate advocate for Balboa Park and researched and wrote a history of the Balboa Park Carousel.
Arlene will be remembered as a naturally curious, strong, positive, and fearless woman—a shining gem who brought light and strength to everyone lucky enough to know her.
The Simpson family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Arlene's caregiver, Maria Beaza, whose compassion, dedication, and kindness meant so much to Arlene and her family.
A celebration of Arlene's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forever Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, or the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene Palmer Simpson, please visit our flower store.
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