Lucy Bardwell Simpson

WEST COLUMBIA - Lucy Bardwell Simpson died peacefully in her sleep at her retirement home in West Columbia, SC, at the age of 94 on May 25, 2018. Lucy was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, on November 7, 1923, where she lived until she married Samuel Randolph Simpson, Jr. of Knoxville, TN, in 1947.

Captain Simpson served in the U. S. Navy for 28 years with tours of duty in Rome, Italy, and throughout the U. S., including Washington D.C., Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Bremerton, Washington. Lucy’s love of travel grew during this time. Sam and she took the opportunity to visit many countries around the world. Lucy often said that traveling was the best education someone could have, and she inspired many loved ones to travel as well. In particular, she made certain that her children had the opportunity to visit almost every state and many countries around the world.

After her husband retired from the Navy, they spent 38 glorious years in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was said by their friends, many of whom they developed at Market Square Presbyterian Church or the Country Club of Harrisburg, that Lucy never had to say who was calling as her southern accent stayed with her throughout her life.

Lucy was an avid golfer. She learned to play golf in Rome, Italy, in the late 40’s as she was determined not to become a golfing widow. She continued to play the game she loved until she was 90. It was during her time in Rome that she developed a great fondness for opera and classical music. Lucy and Sam attended operas and symphonies as often as they could, not only during their travels, but also in Harrisburg and Washington D.C. She was an accomplished Bridge player and loved to entertain as well.

Lucy was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She had a smile that would light up a room. She was the epitome of a lady whose charm and grace touched many lives. Lucy brought joy to all who knew her. Lucy’s children fondly remember hearing the story of how their parents met. While their father was attending the U. S. Naval Academy, he had a short break in the summer of 1942. While he was home the family went to Clarksville to visit his father’s relatives. He was asked by his cousin if he wanted to go out on a date. When he asked with whom, his cousin said with the prettiest girl, with the best sense of humor, and the best dancer around here. All of those proved to be true.

Lucy was preceded in death in 2008 by her beloved husband of 60 years, her sister, Frances Powers, and her brother, Romey Bardwell, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy Leclair (husband, Tom), her son, Randy Simpson (wife, Cindy), three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family deeply appreciates the devoted and loving attention given by the caregivers of Home Solutions.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 at the chapel at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community. Her remains will be inurned at the U. S. Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Still Hopes Residence Fund (One Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169).