Claire Elise Goodspeed Simpson

1927 - 2017

CLAIRE ELISE GOODSPEED SIMPSON On January 25th the world lost a beautiful soul. Our beloved Claire Elise Goodspeed Simpson passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side. Claire was born in Chico, CA on July 29, 1927 to Florence & Ryland Goodspeed. Her sister Lucille Al Sudairy preceded her in death. She graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in the health field for many years while raising her family. Claire was an extremely strong and courageous woman who loved life, her family & gardening. She was known for her zest for life, vivacious personality & contagious smile as well as her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Our mother had a heart of gold and was there for her family always. Her fascinating stories about her life and her family's history was shared with so many over the years. She will forever be remembered for her annual holiday cookie bake fest with her grandchildren and always ensuring we were a part of the clean plate club. Claire touched so many lives in the Bay Area and Northern California region, through her work providing childcare to many lucky families. Our family was truly blessed with her and she will be missed dearly, near and far, including by her family in Saudi Arabia. She was an amazing Mother to her five children, Robin Burke (Patrick), Jill Threde (Jeff), Ryland Simpson, Diane Johnson (Bruce) and son Jack "Rocky" Simpson who preceded her in death. She was no ordinary grandma she was an extraordinary "GMA" to her 7 granddaughters who she cared for and loved with all her heart- Kristin Burke, Danielle Burke, Kaitlyn Johnson, Kimberly Johnson, Amanda Threde, Natalie Threde, Sara Ragsdale and great GMA to Bailey Draper and Hannah and Charlie Ragsdale. We will forever be grateful for the wisdom she imparted to us to always "do the little things". Que sera, sera. Life is good. Services will be held Saturday, February 25th, 2017 at Noon at the Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA.