Lois Jean Simpson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, teacher, and woman of deep and abiding faith, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Middletown, Rhode Island, with family at her side. She left this world as gracefully as she lived, with the same gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength that defined her life.

To those who knew her, Lois was, in every sense, an angel among us. She was humble, never seeking attention or praise, yet she had a way of making people feel welcome, appreciated, and loved. Her kindness was quiet but unmistakable. Her faith was steady. Her heart was open. People were simply drawn to her gentleness.

Born on March 19, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lois was the daughter of Reverend Louis Bossing Holzer and Gertrude Döbereiner Holzer. Raised in the Baptist Church as the daughter of a minister, faith was woven through her entire life. She later became active in the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where she taught Sunday school, served as an elder at Mt. Lebanon Christian Church, and on local, regional, and national boards, where her quiet voice was sought and respected. She remained a lifelong churchgoer.

Lois graduated from Carrick High School in Pennsylvania, where "Louie" made lifelong friends, including Barbara "B" Kelly and Dolores "Deke" Kraft. She went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Education. She taught soon after college and later returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher in the South Hills area after raising her children.

Lois married Oscar Virgil Simpson, Jr. - Bud - on June 26, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, kindness, and quiet joy. In the early years of their marriage, Bud served on active duty with the U.S. Navy, and Lois supported the demands and sacrifices of military life while beginning their family. Bud later continued his service in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 29 years of service as a Commander. They lived for many years in Mt. Lebanon, where Bud had his dental practice and where they raised their family. As the wife of a dentist, Lois ended her voicemail message with a familiar reminder: "Don't forget to floss."

After Bud's retirement, the two of them moved to Maine, where they shared more than 20 years together in a place that became deeply special to them both. At The Highlands in Topsham, they built a rich and joyful retirement life. They shared a love of Maine's lighthouses and visited every one in the state. Lois made lasting friendships throughout the community, helped organize activities in her quiet way, and cherished the routines that grew around them, especially "Tuesdays at 4" and water exercise classes. Her years in Maine were filled with community, companionship, and the simple daily pleasures she treasured.

A couple of years after Bud's passing in 2022, Lois moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island, and became part of the Brookdale at Sakonnet Bay community. While it was only the final year of her life, it brought her great joy. She would often say in texts, or simply out of the blue, "I just love it here." She enjoyed her balcony, weekly swims in the pool, being near family, and sharing long conversations with table friends who lingered together long after meals had ended.

Lois was a voracious reader, a gifted storyteller, and a woman who could often be heard adding, "and another thing..." as one memory happily led to the next. She loved knitting and needlepoint, and welcomed many new babies, family members, and friends with handmade blankets, gloves, scarves, and other gifts created with love. She played board games and also served as an adult camp counselor. She was famous for her "Grandma Cookies," often labeled "Loren's Cookies" to make sure her youngest grandson knew they were meant for him, and for her "Grandma Rolls," traditions now carried on by her grandsons Daniel and Andrew, who have perfected their own versions.

Lois loved her family in the fullest and most personal ways. She treasured intellectual conversations with her son David and dashboard picnics by the water with her son Larry and their Golden Retriever, Lollipop. She shared an especially close bond with her daughter Diana, who remained deeply connected throughout Lois and Bud's life together, often spending weeks at a time with them and making their home her own wherever they lived. Lois also shared a particularly special relationship with Melissa, whom she told in her final days, "You are my angel."

Lois loved travel, camping, the outdoors, seafood, lobster rolls, clam chowder, historic sites, and the ocean. She believed the secret to long life was eating herring in wine sauce every day, a habit she maintained proudly.

Among the many friends Lois made in Tiverton, Fran became especially dear - not only as a close friend, but also as a spiritual companion to Lois and a comfort to the entire family. In Lois's final moments, Fran prayed with Lois and her family, helping guide her passage with grace as she prepared to join those who had gone before her - her husband, parents, and others she held dear - while leaving behind the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who loved her deeply.

Lois is survived by her children: David Louis Simpson; Diana Jean Simpson; and Jonathan Lawrence Simpson and his wife, Melissa Hopkins.

She also leaves her grandchildren: Daniel Lawrence Simpson and his wife, Megan Simpson; Jonathan Andrew Simpson and his wife, Rachel Simpson; and Loren Lucas Simpson and his fiancée, Kalista Head; and her great-grandchildren: Harriet Patricia Simpson; Riley Kate Simpson; Etta Spring Simpson; and Shilo Head.

Lois will be cremated and interred at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine, where she will rest with her husband.

Memorial donations are encouraged to the charity of your choice in Lois's name.