Abby Josephine Simpson Land

LAND, ABBY JOSEPHINE SIMPSON, devoted wife, mother and homemaker passed away on Friday, December 5th at the age of 90. A member of two pioneer Central Florida families, the Simpsons and the Sadlers, Abby Jo was born on May 5, 1913, in Mount Dora, to Mary Josephine and David St. Clair Simpson. She graduated from Mount Dora High School in 1931 and was valedictorian of her class. In 1935, Abby Jo earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Sargent College of Boston University and in August of that year married former Orange County Commissioner and State Representative, Henry William Land, and moved to her present home in Tangerine. Abby Jo has been a very active member of her church and community throughout the years and was a member of the Anglican Church of America, Cathedral of the Incarnation, in Orlando at the time of her death. She was also a member of the Ocklawaha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1932, holding many offices and chairmanships including two terms as Regent. She was Organizing and Senior President of the local society of the Children of the American Revolution. In addition to her DAR work, she has served as a Sunday School teacher, President of the Episcopal Church women of St. Thomas in Eustis, President of Founders Circle of The Lakes and Hills Garden Club, President of the Mount Dora Historical Society and the Major Francis L. Dade Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century and of both the Lake County and Mount Dora Bicentennial committees. Although Abby Jo's contributions to her church, civic and patriotic groups have left an indelible mark on Central Florida, she will be remembered most by her family and friends as a devoted wife, beloved mother and grandmother and a devout Christian, whose love of God, country and family is an example to be followed. Abby Jo is survived by her daughters Sara Jo Sullivan (Payson) and Catherine Romano (George); sons Henry II (Jacky), David (Shandon), Albion (Susana) and Thomas (Chris); 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and sister Rhoda Kennedy. A memorial service with a reception following will be held at 11AM on Thursday, December 11th at The Anglican Cathedral of the Incarnation, 1505 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. A private graveside service will be held at Pine Forest Cemetery in Mount Dora at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to The Anglican Cathedral of the Incarnation or the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Loomis Family Funeral Home, 420 West Main St. Apopka, FL (407) 880-1007. www.loomisfuneralhome.com.