Anne Francine Simpson

Anne Francine Simpson passed away peacefully at Seaview Manor in Glace Bay on August 5, 2024. Francine was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, on July 28, 1943, as the third of six siblings, who fondly remember her as a strong and caring mentor during their early years.

Francine met her husband, Kenneth "Kenny" Simpson in 1961. They married and settled into their first home on Simpson’s Lane in Steele’s Hill. Their first son, Jim, was born in 1962. Upon moving to New Aberdeen, they welcomed their second son, Kyle in 1972. Francine worked as a seamstress, first at the Glace Bay Community Hospital and later at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.

Francine was an avid crafter, enjoying knitting and crocheting. She also loved reading and shared novels with her sisters. Her passion for music and dancing was well known, and she had a particular fondness for "country and western" songs, which sometimes led to blown speakers in her vehicles. In her later years, she enjoyed the company of her companion, John "JJ" Gracie, who accompanied her on daily walks around Glace Bay.

Francine was a generous and caring person to all who knew her. She became a steadfast matriarch to her sisters and friends, always available, whenever needed.

She is survived by her sisters Alice Swan, Cathy McNeil, and Freda Kennedy (and Darrell); brother-in-law Alfred Simpson; sisters-in-law Audrey McNeil, Jessie Burke, and Shirley Boutilier; sons Jim and Kyle and their wives, Karen, and Sarah; grandchildren Krista, Kathryn and Gabriel; and several loving nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Kenny Simpson, parents John and Freda McNeil (Matheson), brother Bryant McNeil, and sister Carole McNeil.

Rest in peace, Francine. Our lives have been so enriched by you.

In accordance with Francine’s wishes, no visitation will take place. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 14,at 11am. An internment ceremony will then take place at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. Donations in Francine’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Seaview Manor for their kindness and compassion. Jim and Kyle would like to thank her loving sisters for their unwavering support in their mother’s final years.