Jackie Simpson

All who knew Jackie Simpson would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She valued hard work, her home, and her family, and she believed that everyone should always strive to reach their full potential. A devoted wife and nurturing mother, it was no secret that Jackie viewed her family that grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be her most priceless treasure. She mastered the art of being frugal and could spot a bargain a mile away. Jackie’s devotion to others extended to the numerous students who sat in her classroom, and she was well respected among her peers as well. Although she will be deeply missed, her legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow her.

It seems only fitting that Jackie’s story began during a time in American history that was as vibrant as she was. The Roaring Twenties were a decade when radios, affordable automobiles, and motion pictures in both color and sound were signs of the time. It was on June 29, 1927, that John Charles and Della Mae (McVey) Hollenbeck welcomed E. Jacquelyn into their hearts and home in Sioux City, Iowa. Her parents were well established farmers who raised corn, pigs, and cows, and her father was also the town mayor. Jackie’s parents were older when she was born, and when she was two she was joined in her family by her younger brother, John Junior. At times Jackie visited her Grandma Hollenbeck’s home as well as her Grandma McVey’s home, and her aunts and uncles frequently came over to collect corn cobs that they used to heat their homes during the trying days of the Great Depression. Although rationing on gas and sugar among other important items was in place, the Hollenbeck family weathered the storm quite well because of their farm.

After graduating from a local high school, Jackie went on to college at the University of South Dakota where she majored in education in just three years. She later earned her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University when her youngest child was five, and she was so proud of completing her degrees.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Jackie’s introduction to the man of her dreams. His name was Tony Simpson, and they met in Rawlins, Wyoming, where she was a sixth grade teacher. They first met at a local watering hole in town and had their first date on a Boy Scout ski trip that Tony invited Jackie to. The rest is history as they say, and they later married.

Together Jackie and Tony were blessed with four children, Terri Lynn, Deborah Rae, John Anthony, and Julie Ann. Although it was frustrating for her when her daughters challenged her at times, she was proud to have raised four very independent children who were all college graduates. Jackie took Terri and Debbie with her to visit her mother before her other two children were born, and for years she felt lost without the love and support of her mother after her mother died. Jackie was an intentional mother who was determined to do things even when it wasn’t easy as evidenced by the time that she took all four children and their dog out to South Dakota and Iowa when her husband was away at Army summer camp. Most summer vacations while her children were growing up were spent at the A-frame cabin that Jackie and Tony built in the woods of Oscoda with the help of friends. This place became a favorite family vacation and hunting spot that remains in the family to this day. As her children got older and had families, Thanksgiving and Christmas were always spent at Jackie’s, and for many years she and her husband traveled to visit Deb and her family the day after Christmas.

Jackie focused her attention at home while her children were younger, but once Julie was in elementary school she went back to teaching. She taught third grade for many years before retiring. Always one to be busy, Jackie decided to work some when she grew restless during retirement. After trying a few different jobs she settled in to a job as a church secretary. This was a great fit for Jackie as she was a whiz at learning new computer programs and tending to details.

Through the years Jackie enriched her life in numerous ways. She had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and loved learning new games and taking on new challenges. Jackie enjoyed reading and watching documentaries as well as reading the occasional romance novel, but movies about animals were her favorite. She was in heaven when she and Tony went to Africa to see the animals. Jackie was the one who handled the household finances, and she was an expert at pinching pennies. She kept a clean and orderly home as well. Jackie and Tony joined an archery league when her children were young where they became friends with couples they took bow hunting trips with. At times Jackie hosted cocktail parties, and she and her husband also square danced twice a week for years. In fact, they also traveled around the nation to compete in square dancing events and held square dancing workshops in their basement for over 20 years. Later in life Jackie and Tony took up golf, and she was a member of a golf league for years. She was involved at her church and in Bible studies during her later years and had season tickets to the Fisher Theater for a time. Jackie was an accomplished seamstress who specialized in all kinds of needlework. She also knitted and crocheted. In addition, she played solitaire, did crosswords, and had a beautiful collection of plates and a few pieces of jewelry. During retirement Jackie took to making multiple photo albums of trips that she and Tony took to Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Europe, and Egypt.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Jackie Simpson created a brilliant tapestry of memories filled with moments shared with the ones she loved most. Life was not always easy for her, but she was accompanied by an unwavering faith that carried her through the storms of life. Jackie was proud of her children, not only in what they accomplished but also in knowing that they embraced the same faith that she treasured. She was not overly expressive with her emotions, but her family always knew they were deeply loved. Jackie will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

E. Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hollenbeck Simpson died February 28, 2014. Jackie’s family includes her brother, John (Mary) Hollenbeck of Salix, Iowa; children, Terri (Paul) Westberg, Debbie (Bob) Klein, John (Deborah) Simpson, and Julie Simpson; grandchildren, Jeff (Bonnie) Klein, Andy (Katie) Monkiewicz, Laura (Rik) Fernandez, Chet (Emily) Simpson III, and Miles Simpson; great-grandchildren, Ben & Evie Klein, and Rya and Kai Fernandez; and extended family members in South Dakota. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband in 2008. Visit with Jackie’s family and friends on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Road. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 2 p.m. at the funeral home with visitation from 12 p.m. until time of service. Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com where you may sign the guestbook, share a memory, or upload a photo.