Helen O'Connell Simpson

Helen O'Connell Simpson

Helen O'Connell Simpson's extraordinary life of love and service to others ended on October 4, 11 days before her 93rd birthday And as she wished, she was surrounded by her loving family at her home in Seven Lakes

Early in life, Helen adopted her father's philosophy: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can"

Few have done as much good, in as many ways, for as many people in this community "I am happy to be of service," she said "It gives purpose to my life"

Helen was born and raised in Pittsfield, MA, one of four children of Ralph M and Helen Dunfrey O'Connell She was 19 when she met George H Simpson in 1943, just weeks before he joined the service and shipped out to Europe For two years, they communicated only by V-Mail Helen never heard his voice until he returned in July 1945 Five days later, they were married

For 30 years, they lived in New Canaan, Connecticut, where they raised their three children George and his brother, Tom, ran R Simpson & Co, a family business established in 1827, in NYC, and Helen was a partner in the Kropotkin Gift Shop in New Canaan, as well as an active school and community volunteer and deacon at the First Congregational Church

The couple retired in 1985, and moved to Seven Lakes, NC where they built their lakeside home

After George's death, Helen dedicated her energies to community and public service She served on more than a dozen Hospital and Foundation Boards and Committees She was as generous with her philanthropy as she was with her time

She was a loving friend, and those who received one of Helen's hand-written notes with a prayer, a poem or words of inspiration and encouragement considered themselves blessed

Continuing Helen's legacy of love and caring are her beloved children George H Simpson, Jr (Barbara) of Fernandina Beach, FL; Dunfrey "Dee" Simpson Lombard (Dennis) of Seven Lakes; and Robert B Simpson (Katharine) of Pinehurst; and her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren

A celebration of Helen's life was held Friday, October 12 at 3 pm at The Chapel in the Pines, Seven Lakes, NC

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Helen O'C Simpson Endowment Fund in support of Clara McLean House, c/o The Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374