Anne Dodge Simpson

Anne D. Simpson ObituaryMpls, MN - Anne Dodge Simpson passed away on December 2, 2025. She was born in Minneapolis in 1935 to parents Edwin Noyes Dodge and Anne Winton Dodge. Anne attended Miss Porter's School and Smith College. In 1955, she married James H. Leslie with whom she had 3 children.

In 1972 Anne married Rev. Robert Simpson. They lived in St. Paul where he was co-pastor of Macalester Plymouth Church. Four years later they moved to Amery, WI where they ran a farm, Bob did interim ministry, and Anne received a Lay Diploma from United Theological Seminary. She taught Christian Education for many years. Anne and Bob retired to Grand Marais, MN in 1993 and soon after, Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In 2005, they moved to the Twin Cities.

Anne and Bob co-authored the book "Through the Wilderness of Alzheimer's: A Guide in Two Voices." Anne contributed to several poetry anthologies, wrote a curriculum for churches and advocated for families living with dementia, and then published a book on aging entitled "Do you feel as old as you are?", which was based on conversations with her granddaughter.

Anne had three children: Laura (Rob) Self, Kate (Lynn (Deceased)) Christianson, and Jim (Norma) Leslie. Anne also had three stepsons: Leslie Simpson, Wayne (Barb) Simpson, and Mark Simpson.

Anne is survived by 33 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of Anne's life will be held at Macalester Plymouth United Church in St. Paul, MN on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

Anne's family is grateful for all of her caregivers while she lived at Abiitan Mill City in Minneapolis and for the Personal Assistants from Allen Assistant Care. You brought dignity and great comfort to Anne in her final years.