Sandra Slater Simpson

Sandra (Slater) Simpson passed away peacefully on her own terms on April 7, 2015 at RooLan in Lacey, Washington. Sandra was a fourth-generation Washingtonian, born on December 18, 1936 in Puyallup, Washington to Walt and June Slater. She graduated from Clover Park High School in Lakewood and attended the University of Washington and later graduated from Indiana State University at Evansville with a B.A. in Communications. Sandra married George B. Simpson whom she met when he was stationed at McChord Air Force Base. They soon moved to his hometown of Sturgis, Kentucky where they raised their four children. Many good friends and family helped Sandra make Sturgis her home for 50 years, and she held a great affection for them and loved their letters and memories to the very end. As part of her lifelong dream, she returned to her native Washington in 2002 to live in Olympia for her last 13 years. She immersed herself in the Olympia community by volunteering, reconnecting with her high school classmates and listening to others’ stories when riding the bus. Sandra was a passionate volunteer for many organizations over the years—4-H and the Girl Scouts in Union County, Kentucky, and Habitat for Humanity, the Washington Center and the Free Store in Olympia. Sandra was small in stature but had a power and courage that knew no bounds. Sandra’s warm heart was always at the ready to support her friends and children and to defend the weak. Sandra was forthright and took great pride in “always calling a spade a spade.” She fiercely maintained her independence and strength of character throughout her life. Sandra is survived and greatly missed by her brother, Jim Slater; four children, Georgie Simpson, Nina Bley, Will Simpson and Jeannie Simpson; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren, whom she took great joy in getting to meet and to hold; and her cat, Little Bear. Sandra was the great compass in our lives, and we loved her beyond measure. At her request, no services will be held, but the family will have a private celebration of life and a private inurnment service at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington. In honor of Sandra and her love and defense of animals, please consider a donation to Old Dog Haven at www.olddoghaven.org. Please leave memories of Sandra or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.