Margaret Simpson

Margaret Simpson, beloved friend, co-worker, family member, intrepid traveler, community activist, therapist and mentor died peacefully at home January 2010.

Margaret was born on March 21, 1927, in Saginaw, Mich., She attended the University of Michigan before moving to Los Angeles, where she received a bachelor’s degree in English.

In 1950, she married Robert Simpson and the couple had four children. The couple divorced in 1964 and Margaret earned her master’s degree in social work in 1966 with all four children attending her graduation.

In 1989, Margaret completed her dream to move to North Idaho and built a home in Bottle Bay overlooking the lake. Margaret was the first social worker hired to work with Bonner Community Hospice in 1992. Except for a brief hiatus to explore Egypt and teach English as a second language, Margaret was a sustaining force in Hospice until she moved to Portland in 2002. Margaret was instrumental in creating the Kid’s Camp for grieving children and would be there right along side those children even into the wee hours after too many s’mores! Many a hospice family, grieving person, staff member or hospice volunteer was a recipient of her wise guidance and listening ear.

Margaret dedicated many of her hours to our community. She was active in the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and served on the board of the Friends of the Library. She started the first PFLAG in Sandpoint, was a Master Gardner and earned her certificate to teach English as a Second Language in 2000. There was not an election went by without Margaret knocking on doors, being involved on some level. She oversaw the political happenings of the day via CSPAN and volunteered for the ACLU. Margaret was a life-long learner and brought a crowd with her. Her home was often the gathering place for groups to meet over great food and a glass of wine.

Margaret was preceded in death by her son, Paul. She is survived by her son, Mark Simpson; daughters, Jane and Katie Simpson; and her six grandchildren, Joe Todd Simpson, Ben Simpson, Molly Todd, Daniel Haworth, Maggie Haworth and Hunter Haworth.

Margaret always worked for the greater good and will be missed by all.

At time of honoring and remembering Margaret will be held at DiLuna’s on Cedar Street at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 22.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Food Bank, Bonner Community Hospice or the Healing Garden.