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Jane Simpkin Obituary
But despite the uniqueness of Simpkin's body markings--and the fact that her two sisters have described her in detail to authorities--they hold out little hope of ever being able to bury their 36-year-old sibling.
"We don't think they will ever recover anything," said Simpkin's sister, Helen Simpkin-Whalen. "The only solace I take away from this is that I know the ashes that were my sister are now all over the world. She's everywhere."
Simpkin died while aboard United Airlines Flight 175, which crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.
The daughter of a man who traveled the world for a chemical company, Simpkin, 36, of Wayland, Mass., was raised all over the world, from England to Colombia.
While in college, she began getting interested in the burgeoning punk rock movement, which pushed her toward her current career as a representative of rock bands in the Boston area.
Last year, Simpkin began attending the Massachusetts School of Law with an eye toward becoming a criminal prosecutor.
"She would have wanted to right the wrongs," said Simpkin-Whalen.
Profile courtesy of THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE.
'An Ongoing Art Project'
Jane Simpkin seemed drawn to the unusual, and vice versa. When she was standing on her mother's porch in Wayland, Mass., one day, a baby bald eagle landed at her feet. While she was driving to work one time, a bright blue parakeet flew into the car.
She was amassing tattoos, which her sister Laura called "an ongoing art project." There was a British lion on each of her shoulder blades, applied when she visited England recently, and a gryphon on her chest. She loved to travel; often the tattoos were mementos of places she visited.
She worked for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, but her plan was to become an entertainment lawyer. Last Sept. 11, she was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 175, on her way to Los Angeles for a meeting.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ann Simpkin
September 13, 2024
I think of you every day and talk to your photograph, your sisters and I spent a quiet day remembering you with love.
Love you forever.
Amanda [email protected]
September 11, 2024
Doing my part to never forget and continue learning, I came across Jane's story and wanted to pay my respects on the anniversary of her passing. She sounds like an incredible woman and it's clear she was loved beyond measure. My heart goes out to her friends and family, forever grieving the loss of Jane. Holding your hand, where ever you are.
Alan Winter
September 12, 2023
Thinking of you today. Thank you for your creative service to your clients.
Ann Simpkin
September 11, 2023
I think of you every day but today is especially hard for us all.
I often wonder what you would be doing now, I sure you would have passed your law exams and the bar.
With me in my heart always, mum
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Karen Schlosberg
September 11, 2023
Thinking of you with love!
Kamala White
August 5, 2021
Missing you today and every day Jane. Sending warm thoughts and condolences to everyone who loves her. The world is still a far better place because Jane was here.
Ann Simpkin
September 10, 2020
I thought of you with love today,
I thought about you yesterday, And days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name, All I have are memories And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake,With which I’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, I hv ave you in my heart.
Lori Hamner
July 22, 2020
You are in my thoughts today, Jane. The world is better because you were here.
Ann Simpkin
March 27, 2020
Grief fills the rooms of my absent child.
Shakespeare
The Kindred Family
November 1, 2019
We wanted to once again send our deepest heartfelt condolences to your family for your great loss. Words will never remove your deep pain. Always may God's help, his peace and your loving memories be of some comfort with each new day. Jane is so missed and will always be thought of with deep love.
Alan Winter
September 13, 2019
Hi, Jane. Just thinking about you today. Peace.
Danny Brock
September 11, 2019
Seems like yesterday at the lunch table with you. Never gets any easier...........miss ya kid!
Russell McGuire
September 11, 2019
a poem- THE SOUL'S RETURN Across this restless rush hour,
'twixt and 'tween our hurried hubbub,
they eagerly stagger, endlessly streaming
as waves dreaming across bridges,
through toll booths and tunnels
the haggard shadows teeming
blind to the oblivious traffic.
The New York skyline drunk
or drowning.
Up, not from the dead,
but from the consequence
of our missing them, or listening
for their return and not hearing
or heeding their cries,
they walk and rise, a phantom column,
filling the off ramp.
It's not as though we hadn't said, "So-long!"
Solemnized their days in song,
or eulogies, said prayers over the ashes
and, what parts of them we could salvage
from the smoke, buried them
in the rare and sanctified earth.
What do you do with ghosts?
Drive around them?
Yield to them at crosswalks?
And then what?
From behind the wheel
in drop-jawed astonishment,
we squint and stare against the glare.
They're everywhere!
It's as if Heaven is too full for the faithful.
So, we half expect a chorus of Angels
or the parched voice of God
to wearily declare these dead,
his own,
now ours again.
We head home to New Jersey
dreaming of unimpeded twilights,
but pause at the river,
each taking on a passenger
else they be there
again
tomorrow.
September 11, 2019
Dear Jane, I only know you because of your dear mother. I have known and loved her for many years. The sadness of your loss is ever palpable, even 18 years later. With Love, Barb Handel
Scott Plummer
September 11, 2019
Eighteen years later and it feels like yesterday.
We shared good times and bad. Mostly laughs and a few tears.
We all wish we could see you again.
Love to you, your family and your many friends.
Scott
Valerie Pennington
September 10, 2019
I went to college with Jane, and today I had her on my heart more than anything. I remember her laughter, and her smile. She was so kind to me when I first met her. She told great stories, and jokes, and had such a wonderful view of things. She touched me in such a way that I recall her these many years past. The world was blessed to have had her in it.
Ann Simpkin
September 10, 2019
Those we Love don't go away,they walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard,but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Dear Jane,Thinking of you today, tomorrow and always, love you, mum
Ann Simpkin
August 30, 2019
Michael,
Thank you so much for your sweet post, my daughter Jane was a amazing woman, bold, passionate,smart,funny but above all loving, she loved her family and friends and loved her life.
She is always the first person I think of when I wake up and the last person I think of when I go to sleep.
The world lost so many wonderful people on 9/11 and like me never thought it would be our last good bye and I love you.
Thank you again for caring
Janes mum Ann..
Michael M.
August 29, 2019
My name is Michael and I am a Sophmore in Shanley High School in ND. Ive been reasearching people who died in the attacks of 9/11 in 2001. I have come to pay my respects to Jane. She was such an amazing and successful person. She led a great life and shes gone places I could only dream of going. You should be proud of the fact that Jane was such a great person and know that shes in a better place.
Rebecca Olenchak
March 28, 2019
Thinking of you today on your birthday, Jane.
Ann Simpkin
March 27, 2019
We have a weight to carry and a distance we must go.
We have a weight to carry,a destination we cant know.
We have a weight to carry and can put it down nowhere.
We are the weight we carry from there to there to there.
The Book of Counted Sorrows
My darling Jane I carry you in my heart,always thinking of you but especially today on your Birthday.
Love forever, mum xxx
The Kindred Family
November 24, 2018
Sending our continued heartfelt sympathy to your family for such a sad loss. The passing of years doesn't always mean that the pain of missing a dear one has stopped. May God continue to give the needed strength and comfort to cope daily. Jane is still missed by many and will always be lovingly remembered.
Alan Winter
September 13, 2018
Just been thinking about you this week, Jane.
Danny Brock
September 11, 2018
Someone who has touched my life/soul who I had known for such a short time, but has held on to me for a Lifetime. Miss you kid!
Ann Simpkin
September 10, 2018
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you my darling girl.
I touch your photo every time I pass it and tell you I love you, it doesn't stop my tears and never will.
Love forever and ever,mum
Jon Nottonson
March 28, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Jane's family and loved ones today. May you find peace and comfort in your beautiful memories of her.
Scott Plummer
March 27, 2018
Happy birthday, Jane. Still missed by so many.
Alan Winter
March 27, 2018
Happy Birthday, Jane. I'm sure wherever you are, you're helping someone. Wish I'd spent more time with you back in the day. Peace to you, your mother, and your extended family.
Ann Simpkin
March 26, 2018
What if you slept?And what if in your sleep, you dreamed?And what if in your dream,you went to heaven and there plucked a strange and beautiful flower?And what if,when you woke, you had the flower in your hand?Ah! What then?Thinking and missing my beautiful daughter Jane on her birthday March 28th Love forever, mum
Alan Winter
September 15, 2017
Just thinking of you Jane, and grateful for your musical service while you were with us.
Russell McGuire
September 15, 2017
Jane was on my mind all week. Such a terrible loss. She was a shining star.
Ann Simpkin
September 14, 2017
I didn't forget my daughter on 9/11 this year, I had marked the day by writing one of her poems that unfortunately didn't get printed.
I want to thank all her friends and my family friends for remembering her.
I think of her everyday and she is in my heart ❤
Scott Plummer
March 28, 2017
Thinking of Jane on her birthday.
Much love and peace to the Simpkin family.
Ann Simpkin
March 27, 2017
Today is the birthday of my beloved daughter Jane Louise Simpkin,
born March 28th on a beautiful sunny morning in Crumpsall UK
It was Mothering Sunday , so what better gift could I get ? My beautiful first born daughter.
Missing her every day, thinking of her with tears and a broken heart!.
I will love her forever and hold her in my arms one day.
March 28th 1965 September 11th 2001
September 13, 2016
Sending love and hugs to all the Simpkins. I think of you all of the time, so many wonderful memories!
Kathleen Riley
September 11, 2016
Sending love and prayers to everyone missing Jane today.
Karen Schlosberg
September 11, 2016
Thinking of Jane especially on this day.
Ann Simpkin
September 8, 2016
"When I despair,
I remember that all through history
the way of truth and love has always won.
There have been tyrants,and murderers,and for
a time they can seem invincible,but in the
end, they always fall-
Think of it,always"
Mahatma Gandhi
How can it be fifteen years since we hugged
and said "I love you"How I wish I could hold
you and hug you, but I can and do say,
" I love you "each and every day.
Missing my beautiful daughter Jane Louise,
Love always, Mum XXX
Del Newberry
April 1, 2016
We will never forget. Thinking of Jane's friends and family today. May we all honor her legacy by following our dreams. With love from Texas,
Scott Plummer
March 28, 2016
Happy birthday Jane, and love to the Simpkin family.
March 27, 2016
Happy Easter Ann. She is always in our thoughts.
Ann Simpkin
March 26, 2016
Music
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory---
Odors, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed:
And so by thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
For my darling Jane on her Birthday,
Love forever, Mum xxx
March 28th 1965 September 11th 2001
Alan Winter
September 13, 2015
Jane, still carrying on with you in our thoughts.
Scott Plummer
September 12, 2015
Jane,
Another anniversary, another year. Your friends still remember.
We still miss you. You still rock.
Love love love...
Ann Simpkin
September 10, 2015
I feel the wind's keen Force
As waves break over the rocks
Worn down by loneliness
I dream of days gone by
Shigeyuki Minamoto
Love you just as much as before my beautiful daughter. March 28th 1965--- September 11th 2001
With love,Mum XXX
Ann Simpkin
September 1, 2015
If I listen closely I will hear the song of angels.....and I will know you are still with me.
Missing you my darling girl,love you alway,Mum XXX
Ann Simpkin
June 27, 2015
AS deep as a wound is, that's how deep the healing can be.
Mary Karr
Missing you my beautiful girl.
Love you forever, Mum XXX
Scott Plummer
March 28, 2015
Missing you on your birthday, and always. Thinking about how we would laugh after coming home late, waking the whole house. Or how we would sit and watch Mothra on the little color tv in the living room.
Much love to you and your family.
Naomi Gurevich
March 28, 2015
Thinking of Jane on her birthday and always.
Scott Plummer
March 28, 2015
Jane, thinking about you on your birthday as on many other days.
How you made me laugh with that wicked sense of humor. You are still missed by so many.
"The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world." -Edna St. Vincent Millay
Love always, Scott
Ann Simpkin
March 27, 2015
Remember Me
To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated.
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore,
gazing at a beautiful sea-remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest
and its grand majesty-remember me.
As you look upon a flower and
admire its simplicity -remember me.
Remember me in your heart,
your thoughts, your memories of
the times we loved,
The times we cried, the times we fought
the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me,
I will never be gone.
-Anonymous
For my darling girl on her birthday,
I will always remember you with love and joy.
March 28th 1965- March 28th 2015
LOVE FOREVER, Mum
Ann Simpkin
January 4, 2015
When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure.
Missing you my precious girl.
Love forever, Mum XOXOXO
December 24, 2014
Ann:
Jane is in my thoughts daily and I speak of her often. Veronica is now 13, and thanks to her Angel, she lives a wonderful life.
Tears in my eyes once again...
Luv you all and have a Merry Christmas
Ann Simpkin
December 22, 2014
Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak
Whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break.
-Macbeth
Missing you my darling daughter,
Love forever,Mum
ann simpkin
November 20, 2014
I will hold you in my heart until I can hold you in heaven.
Love and miss you dear Jane,Mum
November 12, 2014
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Missing you my beautiful daughter.
Love forever, Mum
ann simpkin
October 18, 2014
Just when the caterpillar though the world was over she became a butterfly.
If love could have saved you,you would have lived forever.
Missing you so much,Mum
Bradley Horowitz
September 28, 2014
Thinking of you tonight Jane, for no particular reason... You lived full throttle...
Blue
September 25, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Know that you'll always remember her as she sounds unique, one-of-a-kind.
Ann Simpkin
September 12, 2014
Thank you for thinking of my dear Jane
I love you all Ann
Tanya Dias
September 11, 2014
I love you Jane
Helena Simpkin-Hough
September 11, 2014
You do not honor the dead by dying with them...you honor them by living a full, joyous and fulfilling life.
Miss you.
Ron Ramey
September 11, 2014
You're packing a suitcase for a place
None of us has been
A place that has to be believed
To be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird
In an open cage
Who will only fly
Only fly for freedom
Walk on
Walk on
What you got
They can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on
Walk on
Stay safe tonight
U2
Ron Ramey
September 11, 2014
Sorry this took way too many years/tears to prepare…
I had time well spent with Jane on a drive from Vail to Golden Colorado after an ASCAP meeting.
While we stopped shortly after the drive began, I could already tell I was in the presence of a woman made for today. Our trip's first detour was at a Starbucks in Frisco, CO. where I inadvertently and over eagerly picked up her order first, took a sip and she ever so politely replied, “I believe that one is mine”, to which I replied oops…with a whadda I do now look on my face.
We continued our journey to meet her Colorado family members all the while I was fascinated by this special person. She had such a calm and right in the moment presence with me. And of course my usual self, could only ask of her travels and living abroad... So what was it like in England??, did you meet the Beatles??? (laugh).
This newly met human being only offered nothing but true positive life energy for life itself despite what all the other evils that could prevail. In that car for 2 hours, all was right and safe with the world and only good was to come to the both of us as we pondered the future of our lies in the music business.
Unfortunately, I would never have that calm again with her…or maybe anyone else new to my inner secluded circle.
Every time I head into the mountains and stop for coffee in Frisco, CO at Starbucks I think of the Beatles and Jane…but the drink will never be the same unless maybe I grab some else's by mistake?
Thank you Dear Jane for being so wonderful for this cruel and unkind world…rest softly now and I promise,,, We will keep the music light bright in your honor.
Ron R.
Melissa Cotter Dempsey
September 11, 2014
Dear Jane,
Thinking of you today and always. I have so many good memories of you and all the times and travels our families shared. I remember your laugh so well and treasure these memories. My children know all about you and we still have the little stuffed lion toy from you and your mom. You are very special in our family. I miss you and I think of you often and always will.
Love, Missy
Kathleen Riley
September 11, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Jane when we worked together in Admissions at Berklee College of Music. Jane was a force of organization. She completely restructured the call center greatly reducing the possibility of a lost call. She created a training manual for the work study students that I used for years to train new employees. She was a woman who spoke her mind. I loved that about her. She would have made a great lawyer. I am so sorry for her family to have lost her.
Jennifer McDowell
September 11, 2014
"When I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me..." - Train
Thinking of you today. Miss you always.
Danny Brock
September 7, 2014
My Daughter, veronica, is now 13. I know Jane watches over her daily. I can still see her full face smile, as bright as day, whenever she used to see her baby picture. She makes me a prouder Father daily and she is missed very much.
Ann Simpkin
September 6, 2014
I think about you every day,some days with a smile and some days with tears,but always with love.
As 9/11 approaches I think of what the world lost,what could have been achieved by you and other's.
All my love my dear Jane,Mum XOXOXO
Ann Simpkin
August 17, 2014
Missing you a lot,wish I could talk to you and hold your hand
My love forever,Mum
Ann Simpkin
March 28, 2014
My Dearest Jane.
On your birthday you are remembered with everlasting love and treasured memories.
Forever in my thoughts and heart,
Love always Mum
Ann Simpkin
January 5, 2014
Even when I close my eyes
There's an image of your face
And once again I come to realize
You're a loss I can't replace
I will love you Today, Tomorrow and Always Mum
Ann Simpkin
December 25, 2013
Missing you on this Christmas Day and remembering our time's together.
My love forever Mun
Ann Simpkin
December 9, 2013
Beneath the night sky I hear the whisper of the wind and know you are never far away,
Missing you my dear daughter.
Love Mum
Ann Simpkin
November 23, 2013
Thinking about you a lot today,
Missing you.
My love forever
Mum
Ann Simpkin
October 15, 2013
Loved you yesterday
Love you still
Always have
Always will
All my love Mum
Laura Black
September 11, 2013
I remember the violet gum you treasured (Chowards), the cheerful way you sweet talked your way past my landlady (nobody got past her!) , your laugh. What a laugh!!!
Light to those who also have your memory tucked in their hearts- may it always shine!
Bradley Horowitz
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you...
Patricia Mulkern
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you today smiling, Jane!
Ann Simpkin
September 11, 2013
My beautiful soul,an angel to so many,
I miss your Courage,and Strengh,
Your love of life,warmth and humor,
How fortunate I was to be your mother!!
My love forever Mum
September 11, 2013
thinking of the days we spent watching shows at the Channel and wishing you were still here
Alan Winter
September 11, 2013
Jane, remembering you today, and letting that the whole country may actually be learning real lessons about peace instead of war.
Scott Plummer
September 11, 2013
Jane,
Still think of you often and miss you. Wish you could be here to see X and Mission of Burma this weekend.
Your friend, Scott
Jennifer McDowell
September 11, 2013
I woke up with you in my heart and mind. I miss you Jane!! Keep watching over my Sara Jane!
Russell McGuire
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you today. You made such an impression on my daughters! By your example you taught them it was okay to be different...to be about something other than the tired stereotypes. Jane, you would be pleased to see Kimberly on CSPAN fighting for immigration reform and women's reproductive rights! You would be happy to see Josey conquering the Appalachian Trial and the PCT.
We all thank you and miss you... And for the brief time we knew you, we loved you.
Ann Simpkin
September 10, 2013
When I close my eyes I think of you ,I miss your presence and love
My love always Mum
Ann Simpkin
September 9, 2013
Loving you always,forgetting you never.
Forever in my heart Mum
April 7, 2013
Remembrance is a golden chain
Death tries to break,but all in vain
To have,to loveand then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart
The years may wipe out many things
But some they wipe out never
Like memories of those happy times
When we were all together.
Missing you my sweet girl.
Love forever Mum
Ann Simpkin
March 30, 2013
Three blooms for 3 daughters
Jane grows in our hearts
Never wilting,never fading
Always in the sunshine
Never frgotten
Thinking of you today
From your sister Helen,Maggie and Sean
on your birthday
From Sister Helen,Maggie and Sean
Ann Simpkin
March 28, 2013
Loving memories on your Birthday
Always in my heart.
Love forever Mum
Ann Simpkin
March 28, 2013
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
March 28, 2013
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Scott Plummer
March 28, 2013
Happy birthday Jane...
Miss you,
Scott
Alan
December 29, 2012
Was telling someone about you today, Jane.
Ann Simpkin
December 27, 2012
No more tomorrows,only yesterday's memories.
Silent memories keep you near,out of my life you may be gone but in my heart you still live on.
Missing you my dear Jane,love mumxxx
Cher K
December 26, 2012
Remembering you, Jane. I think of you often.
Love,
Cher
Ann Simpkin
December 14, 2012
Cherished and Beloved,I carry your heart in mine.
Love forever Mum
Ann Simpkin
November 12, 2012
Though I cannot hear your quiet voice nor see your sparkling eye's
I feel your hand laid gently on my own you are here.
Missing you Jane,love mum xxx
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