ACTON: Bernice A. (Olson) Simpson, 95, an Acton, MA resident for over 62 years died peacefully embraced in the love and comfort of family in her home on Sat. Feb. 26, 2022. She was the wife of the late Kenneth Mark Simpson, to whom she was married for 73 years at the time of his passing April 11, 2021.
Born in Hartford, CT, she was the daughter of the late Carl V. and Alice (Taylor) Olson. She met her future husband, Ken, while he was working at Pratt and Whitney in Hartford, and the couple were married in 1948. The couple eventually settled in Acton where they raised their three children. Bernice centered her life around her family, making a beautiful home for them to enjoy.
An excellent seamstress and dressmaker, she enjoyed sewing clothes and costumes for her family. The children remember participating in a community Early American Fashion Show wearing her designs. She inherited an eye for color, interior design and decorating, gardening and antiques. As often as possible, she and Ken enjoyed traveling widely throughout New England antiquing.
Bernice also loved to travel and worked mother’s hours at Donelon’s to fund annual trips to different European locales. Mrs. Simpson toured the Scandinavian countries extensively, and a highlight was the family trip to Greece to celebrate a graduation.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by their son Mark Kenneth Simpson. Bernice is survived by two daughters, Holly Pettingill (Gregory) of South Paris, ME, Kristen Simpson (Jack Koehler) of Jackson, WY; grandsons Matthew and Nathan Pettingill; great-grandsons Noah and Tucker Pettingill and their mother, Lindsay Rutton; and a nephew David Nilsson (Caroline) of CT. She was also predeceased by in-laws, Christiana (Simpson) Davis, John L. Simpson & Elizabeth Bedker Simpson.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting Thurs. March 3rd from 10-11am at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. A funeral home service will immediately follow 11am, with burial following in Woodlawn Cemetery, Acton Center. Rev. Jinwoo Chun of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church will officiate. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Bernice's name to St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, MA 01720.
The Town of Acton has dropped the mandatory mask mandate. Visitors are welcome to make their own decision on whether to wear a mask or not while in the funeral home.
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com