Barbara Ellen Simpson

Barbara Ellen Simpson, of Cheswick, was an educator, a strong believer in her Catholic faith, and like her parents before her, a lifelong Republican. She was also someone who could appreciate the right mix of hops and barley at the end of a workday. This Irishwoman of conviction and a loyal friend, now finds the road rising up to greet her and the wind at her back. A graduate of Mt. Mercy College in 1969, right before it became Carlow College and later Carlow University, Barb volunteered for her alma mater and established The George J. and Maryellen Hagan Simpson Memorial Scholarship as a tribute to her parents and their military service during World War II. Fostering learning for the next generation was her vocation as well as her mission. She spent her career as a teacher first at St. Alphonsus School in Springdale and later at Berkey Elementary in the New Kensington Arnold School District. One favorite trip was to Ireland. Barb told stories of meeting relatives who greeted family members they had never met as if that bond had been lifelong. That was Barb too. Once met, the bond was forever not only with the family she was born into but also the dear friends that serendipity and good Irish luck brought to her. She will be remembered by both. They include her cousin, Dr. James R. Hagan, his wife, Patricia Hagan, and their children, Laura Petronis, Jennifer Gans and Patrick Hagan; her cousin, Dr. Susan M. Hagan and son, Ky Zizan; her cousin, Dr. James M. Rusnak; her cousin, Eva Lynn Palaika and her husband, Tom; her cousin, George Rusnak and children, Jaime and Geoffrey; her dear friends, Diana and Tim Borland, and their sons, Jonathan, Tim Jr., Christopher and Joshua, and Chris' daughter, Cadance Ann; Marsha Etzrodt; Marlene and Eric Rushmore; Diane and Jim Gardner; sisters, Helen and Mary Ann Slaninka; and her church friends and fellow teachers. All are close to her heart. You could disagree with Barb, but once she decided you were in her circle, the connection did not break. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023, at CHARLES B. JARVIE SPRINGDALE FUNERAL HOME, 801 Pittsburgh St. Barb was dedicated to St. Alphonsus Church in Springdale, and when that parish closed, she continued her strong relationship with Blessed Sacrament Church, where friends should meet for the funeral Mass to be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, with burial in Deer Creek Cemetery and reception to follow. Arrangements are by THE CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOMES INC., 801/1607 Pittsburgh St.  If you choose to do so, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice. 

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