Barbara J. (Kalhorn) Simpson
March 24, 1931 – January 9, 2020
She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence “Larry”. She is survived by her children: Paul Simpson (Ed), Janet Rubin, Noreen Hebda (Bryan), David Simpson (Kathy), Carol Ross (John), and Karen Lawton (Al); grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends Monday, January 13, 5-7pm, with 7pm VIGIL SERVICE, all at West Center Chapel.
MASS of CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday at 11am at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church (1920 N. 102nd St).
INTERMENT: St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery. Memorials to be directed by family.
Barbara Jean Kalhorn arrived into the world on March 24, 1931 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Carl and Clare (Wrede) Kalhorn. Older Siblings were John “Jack,” Carl Jr. “Chase,” Bernard “Bud,” and William “Bill.” She grew up in South Omaha, where she attended St. Bridget’s School, receiving her First Holy Communion on, May 16, 1937. Barb received her diploma from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in, June 1948. From there she attended Creighton University, graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in, June 1952. Upon graduation mom took a civil servant position at Offutt Air Force Base where, after several refusals to Staff Sergeant Lawrence “Larry” Simpson, finally agreed to go out. Larry was born in Birmingham Alabama, raised in Portsmouth Virginia and was one of ten children. We, as the children, are of course thankful that she did.
The young and in love couple married on August 21, 1954. Karen, the first daughter, arrived in June of the following year. The Simpson family grew with Noreen 1957, Janet 1959, David 1961, Paul 1963, and Carol 1964. Yes that is right, she carried children for 54 months combined of the 111 months following their wedding. Wowsa a busy lady indeed! She and dad instilled values into all of us. Barb was a stay at home mom and we all know with one child its a huge task. Can you imagine 6 plus dad, and herself to take care of. For a time her mother lived with us too. Yowsa! When we were all in school she helped in the cafeteria at St. Pius X. She and dad were also helpers in the church cleaning.
Our front yard was a great place for Red Light, Green Light, and Red Rover too. The more the kids played, lets face it, the more all the moms got a break for a bit. Boy did they need it too. Much to tell, but only so much space here, so onward. Mom entered the work force and eventually began employment at MFA Insurance Company/ Shelter Insurance Company, and later at AAA Motor Club all as a claims adjuster. Meanwhile her other full time job of child rearing continued. Mom helped us with our struggles and successes. We weren’t always the perfect angels that you see today. We had great fun and a bit of mischief; just ask us. Barb and Dad, (Mrs. and Mr. Boz/The Candy Man,) traveled as a result of sales meetings, they earned trips to destinations and had great trips with great friends near and far. After retiring mom was bored. Her kids were gone raising there own kids and then eventually grandchildren too. She treasured watching her grand-kids grow and continue to blossom into adults and parents themselves. She had to find something to do, so she helped Paul in the flower shop to occupy her time. Where ever mom was, her kindness, friendliness, genuine honesty, quick wit, humor and so much more was shared to everyone she met.
Mom enjoyed ceramics, bridge, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, bowling, crafting, baking, cleaning (yes, enjoyed), flower gardening, tomato plants, weeds (dandelion digging.) Yes, really she like digging the weeds and maintaining a beautiful yard.
Sparky, GiGi, Woofie, Buffy, Fuzzy; and of course Dad gave mom the go ahead to get another dog after many years being without. It was as if he knew he would be leaving us soon and Winnie would comfort mom. After 59 years of marriage, Lawrence passed in 2013.
We are sorrowful by our and your loss today, but we ask of each of you to smile and be full of joy for those memories that you have and the ones we share today with you. In case you don’t know, we like to talk about Madre, Mrs. Boz, Bonnie, Bonita, Mrs. Simpson, Barb, and we the fortunate and proud children that call her Mom! With Love from us all!
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Larry”; grandson, Dillon Simpson. She is survived by her children: Paul Simpson (Ed), Janet Rubin, Noreen Hebda (Bryan), David Simpson (Kathy), Carol Ross (John), and Karen Lawton (Al); grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kristin Butler (Chris), Robynn Hebda and daughter Emma, Zach Rubin (Chancey) and son, Rylan, Adam Hebda, Jessica Schutt (Andy) and son Jaxson, Luke Hebda, Sarah Ross and daughter Aliyah, and Dillon’s twin sister, Alexis Simpson. Also survived by Lisa Hearn (Chris) and children Kaetlyn and Christopher, Sandy Lemen (Josh) and daughter Neely. She also loved her little dog, Winnie.
5 Comments
Janet/Noreen and family – Sorry to read about your mom’s passing.
Just learned of your mother’s passing. My sincere sympathy to each of you
Karen/Noreen and family. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was always so much fun and I would love to chat with her and your Dad after 5:00 mass at St. Leo’s. Somehow we were distantly related we figured out, and of course there was that St. Brigit connection. Great couple that had a lot of fun in life. Think of what they are doing up in heaven 🙂
Rest In Peace Mom… I shall miss you…. Great Grandson Braxton was not listed…. He loves you to the Moon & Back Mom
Rest In Peace Mom… I shall miss you…. Great Grandson Braxton was not listed…. He loves you to the Moon & Back Mom
Sign Guestbook