Charlene R. Simpson

On June 8th, 2023, Charlene “Char” Rose Kobes Simpson, born August 1st, 1950, passed away after a brave nine-month battle with non-differential cancer. She left this world on her own terms, in her own bed in Warrenville, Illinois, surrounded by her devoted family.

Char was the great grandchild of Matej Kobes, Dorota Sleis, Joseph Hanzal, and Rozalie Frantesl on her paternal side, and Giuesppe Delgatto, Filomena Suglia, Pasquale Bartolomeo, and Angela Dolcimele on her maternal side. She was the granddaughter of John Kobes and Rose Hanzal (paternal) and Salvatore Delgatto and Therese Bartolomeo (maternal). Char was always honored to be the only child for Charles Kobes and Barbara Rose Delgatto. Char now rests with all her ancestors, a moment she waited for her whole life as an accomplished genealogist and “keeper” and “DIGGER” of her family’s history.

Char is survived by her committed and loving husband of 52 years, Dale F. Simpson, Sr. The passion and dedication Char and “Big D” had for each other was exemplary and venerated by all. Char is also survived by her son, Dr. Dale F. Simpson, Jr., a renowned archaeologist, and her beautiful and talented daughter, Christina Barbara Ignatius and her caring husband Frank Ignatius. Char had the extreme pleasure of being a grandparent for five grandchildren including: Jeronimo Simpson Gonzalez; Frankie Charles Ignatius; Isabel Elaine Ignatius; Frank Joseph Ignatius; and Daphne Kate Ignatius. Char also had countless friends and neighbors, she was most thankful and moved by the support she received from them. She was also an avid animal lover, taking care of a variety of pets including those adopted, rescued, and inherited.

Char was an outstanding gardener, using every square inch of her front- and backyards to cultivate a healthy space of flora including lush peonies, fragrant lilacs, and 4th of July Day lilies, and fauna including birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters. If you were lucky enough, you received a personally guided tour of her backyard and magical fairy gardens created for the grandkids. As a gifted interior designer, Char used every nook and cranny to highlight the seasons, creating whimsical vignettes, pictures of her family, plants and succulents, antiques, and calendars. Char loved to watch her TV shows, NFL football (especially the Bears), and MLB baseball (especially the Cubs). She was most happy when the Cubbies won it all in 2015. Most do not know that Char was a tenacious online solitaire player, owning global records for her game victories. She also, proudly, never incurred a late book charge from her local library.

While a special ceremony will be held for her immediate family, a celebration of life is scheduled for the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal humane society, as Char would have loved that.

Her family is very grateful for all the cards, flowers, gifts, meals, check-ins, prayers, and love. We also thank Angel’s Grace Hospice Care for their extraordinary team of dedicated nurses and professionals.

Today, the world is a bit darker without the brightness Char brought to it, as we say goodbye to a powerful woman, a keeper, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a cousin, and a friend.

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