Sister Mary Hilary Simpson, OP

Sister Mary Hilary Simpson, OP, a Dominican Sister of Peace, passed into eternal life on Monday, February 15, 2016 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, LA. Born in New Orleans on Monday, January 17, 1938, she was the daughter of Siguard Edgar Simpson, Jr. and Beatrice Vitrano Simpson. Sister Hilary was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Siguard E. Simpson, III. She is survived by her nieces, Colleen Charles (David) and Kelly Hebert; nephew, Siguard Simpson, IV (Stacy), as well as grandnieces and grandnephews. In 1955, Sister Hilary entered the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary, now known as the Dominican Sisters of Peace. She earned her BS degree in Music Education from Loyola University, New Orleans and her Masters from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Sister Hilary was well known in the Archdiocese of New Orleans where she was Director of the Archdiocese band program and the Dominican High School band program. For a number of years, Sister Hilary has been directing the Music Education program for the Catholic Schools in both the New Orleans Archdiocese and in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Many of her students have given professional performances in various venues. Sister Hilary is well known for her expertise playing of the trumpet. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosaryville Road, Ponchatoula, LA on Sunday, February 21, 2016 beginning at 5:30 pm followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm. On Monday, February 22, 2016, the visitation will begin at 8:00 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am with Archbishop Gregory Aymond presiding. Interment will follow in Rosaryville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219 or online at OPPeace.org. A guest book will be placed at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home's Hammond location beginning on Thursday, February 18 – Sunday, February 21 and may be signed between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit HarryMcKneely.com.