Mary Ann Simpson

Mary Ann Simpson, age 73, from Lehigh Acres, Florida passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023 surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer. She was born on June 27, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York to Adam Becker and Elizabeth "Betty" Becker (Otto). She was best known among her family and friends for being the most playful, fun, and active mother, aunt, grandmother, or friend. Our late Aunt Delores Becker may have summed it up best when she told me: "Only Mary could have gotten away with that."

Mary graduated from Teaneck High School in 1967. During her career, Mary worked as a receptionist, administrative assistant, and office manager. Perhaps her most meaningful work happened at Lee County Emergency Management where she performed administrative duties, and answered the calls of residents in distress during Hurricane Gabrielle in 2001 and Hurricane Charley in 2004. She was also recognized multiple times for her leadership of the United Way Employee Campaign where she organized and collected donations from her coworkers.

Mary married Robert Butler in 1972 and they were blessed with 2 beautiful sons; Robert and David who were always precious to her. She was a proud and affectionate mother and grandmother who enjoyed participating in their many activities throughout their childhood. Later in life, she organized several family reunions at Disney World and in the Florida Keys to maintain family togetherness with fun activities.

Mary moved to Lehigh Acres, Florida from Ocean City, New Jersey in 1982 where she soon met her second husband and the love of her life, Gary Simpson. They were married on October 24, 1998. Gary and Mary were well-known in Lehigh's social scene. As retired military, Gary brought Mary to many events throughout the years at the American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars where they often played billiards, bingo, and cards in their retirement years. She also had many friends at her water aerobics class.

During her lifetime Mary enjoyed many activities including; domestic and international travel, water aerobics, bicycling, and walking. She was known for her keen sense of fashion, often sporting the latest Juicy Couture, Lily Pulitzer, and Betsey Johnson summer clothes. Her occasional special treat was a trip to Islamorada, the Breakers in Palm Beach or the Naples Ritz Carlton. During the summer months, Gary and Mary often took road trips to nearly all the lower 48 states and Canada - visiting family and friends along the way. Despite her dislike for air travel, they also toured Alaska and Hawaii. She also visited her son Robert in Mexico where she climbed the pyramid at Chichen Itza and swam with the dolphins.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Adam and Betty Becker; brothers, John, James, and Joseph Becker; sister, Joan Ament; and her sister-in-law Delores Becker. She is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Gary Simpson; her brother, Robert Becker and his wife Karen, sister-in-law Teddy Becker, sons, Robert Butler, his wife Lucy, and David Butler, his wife Ashley; grandchildren, Ian, Victoria, Samuel, and Ethan Butler; nephews and nieces, John and Matthew Becker, Jackie Becker Terrazas, Michele Napolitano, Jean-Ann Becker, Marylouise Kimmel, Steven, Thomas, and Susan Ament, Joseph and Michael Becker, Brian and Jason Becker, and Kathryn Lepore.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hope Hospice that provided loving and dignified care that allowed her to pass peacefully at home.

A funeral mass for Mary will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Saint Raphael Catholic Church, 2514 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971. A reception will follow immediately after the mass 12:30 PM - 4:30PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33913.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Simpson family.