Ethel Angelina Simpson

Born Ethel Angelina Purkiss on November 19, 1929, and past away October 19, 2026. She was the youngest daughter of Cassidy & Maude Purkiss. She grew up in New Westminster with her 3 older siblings: Albert, Ruth and Robert. They lived through the Depression with memories of struggles as well as happy times. Her childhood wove kindness, generosity and frugality into her personality. Qualities that would be magnified as the years went on.

In 1948 she became Ethel Simpson when she married Jack and for the next 78+ years, the names "Jack & Ethel" solidified. They made their home in Surrey and progressively filled it with 5 children: Carrol, Susan, Wes, Jack & Jill.

Ethel was a true homemaker. As a stay-at-home Mom she cooked, sewed, gardened, ran Mom's taxi, etc., pouring her heart & soul into her family and world around her. Her children were welcomed home from school many days with a bowl of homemade soup, fresh bread and a loving, listening ear to the experiences of their day. That loving ear also enjoyed daily end-of-day conversations with husband, Jack, as they savored Happy Hour together.

In the 1960's Ethel, along with her sister-in-law, Jean Goldney, took the time to listen to words of a neighbor who recommended the Bible as a guide through life. Thus began a few years of initial, serious study of the Scriptures. In 1971 Ethel was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Her personal study of the scriptures continued the rest of her life giving her deep knowledge of God's Word and understanding of prophecy. She delighted in sharing this with others and did so often amid a busy life of raising 5 children.

Ethel's personality originally was loving, kind, happy & bright. These qualities and others were enhanced over the years as she earnestly tried to apply Bible principles to her own life. The end product we all came to love so much - a warm, generous, wise woman who loved her family entirely, embraced a huge circle of friends wholeheartedly, and extended hospitality in a phenomenal way.

Ethel leaves behind the love of her life, Jack. (Prov. 31:10,12) and an array of grandchildren, great-grandchildren who loved her dearly and value her example of being a good wife, mother, grandmother and friend. In recent years, so many of the family knew her as GG and she cherished every single visit with each one of them. Beyond the family, Ethel was well-loved by congregations of brothers & sisters.

Ethel was predeceased by her daughter, Jill, a great sadness. However, Ethel's faith was strong. She died knowing the promise of a resurrection and the surety of Ps. 37:29.

They will both live again, in Paradise.

A memorial service will be held on November 6, 2026 at 2 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 10446 - 157 st, Surrey, BC.