Mildred Carol Simpson, (her name meaning gentle strength) a life-long resident of California died on January 16, 2022 at the age of 101, while comforted by some of her family members at her home in Acampo, CA.
Mildred was born in Oakland, California on December 8, 1920 to Claude and Bernice Watson. She grew up in the city of Oakland and in high-school was introduced to her best friend's brother, Whitney, whom she eventually married. Growing up she enjoyed dancing (tap-dancing to be specific) and was an avid reader. Her children recall hearing stories about her hiding behind the piano to read when she was younger. She graduated from business school and worked for Montgomery Ward until she got married in 1941. After she married Whitney, she stayed home to raise her three children in Oakland. In 1959, the family moved to San Lorenzo, where she resided for many years. Mildred became a widow in 1963. After her husband died she went to work for Sprouse-Reitz and eventually went on to work for the federal government for 20 years.
Mildred was a devoted mother and friend. She enjoyed reading, baking, gardening and sewing. She enjoyed taking cooking classes where she learned to make fancy breads and cakes. Her famous apple coffee cake and rocky road brownies will be remembered for years to come. She was a woman of faith and an invested member of the Catholic organization YLI (Young Ladies Institute) which is a program that supports women of God. She enjoyed traveling and was able to enjoy some trips with family members and friends to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Canada, and her favorite place of all Ireland.
Mildred was known for her fantastic memory and the stories she told. She enjoyed spending time on her iPad socializing on Facebook, making video calls and playing games. She wrote beautiful poems about her grandchildren and although she had gotten older, her mind stayed sharp. She was gentle and strong until the very end of her 101 years.
Mildred is survived by her three children; Joanne, Whitney (& Pat) and Janet (& Larry), her thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her two brothers George and Albert; her parents Claude and Bernice; and her husband Whitney.
