Peacefully at Beattie Manor, Wardsville on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Simpson of Glencoe passed away in her 89th year, after living a full and zestful life right till the end, despite several health complications. Betty was born, February 25, 1930 to Mary Davidson (Gibb) and Peter Kerr Stirling and is survived by her older brother William James Stirling from Cobourg. Betty was seven when her mother, Mary passed away and her Dad and Jimmy raised her. Betty graduated from George L. Armstrong Public School and Hamilton Collegiate. She attended McMaster University and graduated with a degree in mathematics and physics in 1952 and obtained her teaching certificate from OISE the following year. She took a position at the new Glencoe District High School 1953/54 and married Stew Simpson, a farmer and member of the school board, the following summer. Instead of returning to the classroom, Betty took a leading role in the community. During the 1960s, she was one of the founders of the Quad County Support Services. She was a founding member of the Ontario Flying Farmers, Glencoe & District Historical Society and the Backus Page House Museum. She volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society for 45 years. During the 1980s and 1990s she brought her love of history to community halls all over Southern Ontario, telling Canada’s history through hats. She did over 150 shows, retelling Canadian history by modeling evolving hat fashions and placing them in a historical period spanning four wars. Betty and Stew enjoyed flying and cultivated friendships across Canada and the United States during their years with the International Flying Farmers. Betty was active in the Anglican Church, sang in local choirs, and was a generous philanthropist. She will be missed by daughters Mary Simpson (Ross Snider), Margaret Mueller (Michael) and daughter-in-law Victoria Simpson. Predeceased by her beloved son Peter (2013). Loved by her grandchildren Amy, Cam, Michael Jr. (Chelsea), Matthew (Lyndsey), Nik (Ania), Paige (Joel), Eric (Sarah) and Owen and her great-grandchildren Ryan, Addison, Maverick, Peter James “PJ” and Carter. Also survived by her sisters-in-law Frances McCallum, Dorothy (Harvey) Parker and Ina Nelms and her nieces and nephews and their families. Betty deeply appreciated the staff at Beattie Manor and PSW’s Dawn and Shantel Patterson and Leigh Ann Donatis. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Johns Anglican Church, Glencoe on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 11a.m. followed by a reception at the Glencoe Agricultural Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Glencoe & District Historical Society, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 219, Glencoe or St. John’s Anglican Church, Glencoe.
