Carol Marie Simpson

Carol Marie Simpson was born October 15, 1947 to Charles and Eleanor Simpson, in Woodburn, OR. With her loving family at her side, Carol passed away Sunday, May 5th at Salem Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Carol graduated from Woodburn High School, Class of 1965. She spent her career working for the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs and became Manager of the Cashiers Unit. Carol retired in December 2002, after 35 years of service to Oregon.

Carol's previous activities included participating in a mixed doubles-pool league and bowling with co-workers on the employee's team. She also spent many summers keeping score for Rich's slow pitch softball teams. Carol frequently enjoyed trips to various casinos to play her favorite slot machines, and she liked to watch love themed movies, TV game shows & delighted in playing card games with her family.

Carol is survived by her loving companion of 42 years, Richard A. Brown. She is also survived by Rich's daughter, Dena (David) Swift, as well as his 2 grand-children Cody and Devin Swift of Sublimity, OR, sister, Diana Simpson, of Woodburn, OR, and brothers, Charles and Dennis (Gail) Simpson of Salem, OR, niece Vickie Greer, and nephews Michael, Ken and Jeff Simpson.

Extended family includes brother-in-law, Larry (Christy) Brown, sister-in-law Cindy (Steve) McNeal as well as nephews Sean (Amy Dent) Beebe, Brian (Marci) Beebe and Matthew (David Mifflin) Beebe and grand-nieces Anya and Willow Beebe. And finally, dear to her heart, her beloved cat, Magic who she adored. Carol is predeceased by her parents.

Family and friends are invited to the graveside service, which will be held Friday, May 10th, at 2:00 p.m, at Belcrest Memorial Cemetery in Salem, OR. Immediately following, a Celebration of Carol's life, will be held at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen Funeral Home. In keeping with Carol's soft and gentle nature, the family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol's name to the Willamette Valley Humane Society - especially for cats.

Our hearts are broken that Carol has left us so soon, but together we take great comfort in the following:

Broken Chain

We little knew that morning

that God was going to call your

name. In life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

Ron Tranmer