Irene B. Simpson

Irene Bertha Simpson, 89, of Sanford, died peacefully at the Newton Center in Sanford on June 21, 2013, after several years of declining health. Irene was born in Sanford, Maine, the daughter of Emile and Florida (Baron) Vermette on May 29, 1924. She attended St. Ignatius Schools. She worked for the Sanford Nutrition Program.Irene enjoyed doing ceramics and playing her harmonica. She loved being a part of the bowling league with her friends from work. For years, she would write in journals making note of weather conditions and visitors. She cherished the times spent at Mousam Lake with her special nieces. She was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, but could be stubborn at times. She will be missed by so many who loved her.She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Simpson, son, Frank Griffin, daughter Susan Butsicaris, daughter Patricia Abate and sister Germaine Camire.She is survived by her son Maurice Griffin of Traverse City, Michigan, her son Richard C. Simpson, Jr and his wife Paula of Sanford, her son Timothy B. Simpson and his wife Jody of Springvale; grandchildren, Richard C. Simpson, III and his wife Stephanie of Sanford, Ava Griffin of Clinton Township, Michigan, Erica McNaught and her husband Andrew of Littleton, Massachusetts, Alex Griffin of Costa Mesa, California, Crystal Smigielski and her husband Matthew of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Sara Abate of Roseville, Michigan, Johnathan Butsicaris of St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Stephanie Butsicaris of St Clair Shores, Michigan, seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Maurice Vermette and his wife Jeanette of Sanford and her sister Rita Calcaterra and her husband Larry of Detroit, Michigan;A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Monday, June 24th at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, located on Twombley Road in Sanford.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.