Livonia: At age 84, Rita passed peacefully at home on Monday, December 4, 2023. She was born on January 23, 1939 in Lima, NY to the late Daniel and Lillian (Slattery) Tubbs. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, James E. Simpson. Survived by sons; Larry (Patty) Simpson, Tom (Kim) Simpson, Dave (Betsy) Simpson, and Don (Cheryl) Simpson; grandchildren, Zach, Madison, Jordan (Gina), Tori, Tyler, Cooper, Matt, Molly, Jack, Trevor, Dan, Bailey, and Chandler. Also survived by her sister Jean Madigan, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends in the Livonia Community.
Rita grew up in Lima and married Jim while he was stationed in Berlin. On their return, they eventually settled in Livonia, where they built a home and life. She worked many years as the Livonia High School Nurse making lifelong relationships from the care she had for others. She and Jim volunteered much of their time to help with Vitale Park in Lakeville. She was proud of the garden walk in the park. Rita loved her family and the Livonia community. When her family was together she was happiest.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 14th, from 4-7pm at (Note Location) St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Rita’s Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Friday, December 15th, at 10:30am and a luncheon will follow at the community room. Burial will be held privately at St. Rose Cemetery, Lima, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I met Rita in the 90’s when she attended my water aerobics classes at LCS. She was such a lovely person, like a breath of sunshine to anyone in her presence. Had I known of her passing earlier, I would have sung with the Resurrection Choir this morning. May the great love of your family and dear friends help you through your loss. May God Bless you and give strength.
Vicky Bush
To Rita’s entire family Glenn and I are saddened to hear of Rita’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies and thoughts during this difficult time. God Bless all of you and hold tight to all your special memories of time spent with your mom and grandma. With love,
Kim, Glenn, Cody, Alyssa Richardson
My heartfelt condolences to the Simpson family. I had the pleasure of knowing Rita while teaching at Livonia, and will always remember her caring and kindness.
She was very special.
May God bless her and her family.
My deepest condolence to Larry, Don, Tom and Dave Also to their wives and children. I know your Mother and Grandmother passing is so painful because she was one of the most loving persons known
Our love and prayers are with you all. We join you in celebrating a wonderful life well lived.
God Bless Rita and God Bless all the Simpsons.
Love,
Jeff, Gretchen, Mallory, and Noah Crane
Condolences to the Simpson family on the passing of Rita. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. She was such a kind hearted, beautiful woman who will be missed by many.
The Smith Family
My condolences to Don, Cheryl and the rest of the Simpson Family.
We are sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. A good memory I have of Rita I will share . She once had me read her taro cards. Which she enjoyed hearing of her good future. Yes it told her all good things . May now she rest with uncle Jimmy. Prayers to all of her family.
I went to grade school and high school with Rita. We had a LOT of good times . She was such a warm, friendly, considerate person. There are many good memories to treasure. My condolences to her family.
My heart and thoughts are with the entire Simpson family. I had the pleasure of knowing and teaching her sons, and shared many wonderful laughs with lovely Rita during my years at Livonia.
Rita was a gift to all who knew her. Always so positive and caring. A huge loss to our community, we will miss her so much. Condolences to the entire family. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Remember ring all the hard work and dedication Rita gave to Vitale Park.
So terribly sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was such a nice lady and contributed so much to the garden club and development of the new section of Vitale Park.
Condolences to all that loved her.
Rest in peace Rita.
We are sending loving thoughts and prayers to Rita’s family at this difficult time. She was a wonderful lady and a great person, and she will be missed by so many! RIP Rita……
I am deeply saddened by the news of Rita’s passing. Praying that remembering her shining personality will overshadow all grief. My condolences to the entire family & Livonia community.
Dear Don, Cheryl and family
So sorry about your loved one. Thinking of you and sending my deepest sympathies.
Sandi D
I’ve known Rita as long as I’ve known Dave Simpson (35 plus years). In all those years, her role as matriarch of the Simpson family has been performed with kindness and love for all, as well as those outside her immediate family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Myself included.
To all of Rita’s family – I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed my visit with Rita when I would see her tending to the gardens in Vitale Park. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Rita was a very special lady, that raised a wonderful family. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to the family.
My condolences to the Simpson family.
My sincere condolences to Rita’s family. My mom (Pauline Trescott) & Rita started taking classes together at MCC in the early 70’s. I remember they rode together for awhile until mom transferred to Geneseo to pursue teaching & Rita went into nursing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Simpson family. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.