Obituary of Melba Jean Simpson
Melba Jean Simpson, age 94, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice. A resident of Wallaceburg and formerly of Tupperville, Melba was the daughter of the late Robert and Ada (Macklem) Leary, and was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Leary (1947). She was married to the late Kingsley Simpson and lived in Tupperville, Ontario for 64 years before moving to Dresden in 2010. Melba is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Ann Simpson of Stephens City, Virginia, one grandson, James Kingsley Simpson, and “like family” Helen and Malcolm McLaren of Chatham. She also had six step-grandchildren Michelle, Lisa, Jeremiah, and Aaron in Virginia and Jessie in Maryland and six great grandchildren Georgia, Gracie, Jacob, Natalie and twins Juliana and Emma.
An avid historian, Melba belonged to the Kent County Genealogy Society was the author of the book “Tupperville from the Beginning”. A strong believer in giving back to her community, Melba volunteered for many years at The Wallaceburg Museum and Part Street Place Senior residence in Dresden. She was also a member of the Sydenham Naturalists Society. A local sports fan, Melba never missed a Wallaceburg Hall of Fame Banquet and felt very honored to sit at the head table three times, twice when her husband Kingsley was honored and in 2009 when she was chosen to be the Honorary Chairperson. She also attended most of the Dresden Sports Hall of Fame Banquets. In the 1960’s, Melbas voice was like a tenth player on the Tupperville ball team as she cheered on the team which won the prestigious All Ontario Baseball championships twice and went to the finals five times.
On her 90th birthday, Melba invited friends and family to a celebration of life at the Dresden Hockey Arena where hundreds of people gathered for a community celebration. She was adamant about not having a funeral as she avidly wanted everyone to remember her as a passionate, fun loving individual with a twinkle in her eyes. One vivid memory of that event was of Melba dancing across the floor with her three-year old granddaughter, both twirling in unison enjoying every moment of life.
Some people lovingly referred to King and Melba as the “King” and “Queen” of Tupperville and they will be greatly missed. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society, or Heart and Stroke or Sydenham Field Naturalists.