Deloris E. (Jones) Simpson

Deloris E “Lordie” (Jones) Simpson, 94, peacefully passed away on October 18, 2024. Married for fifty years to the late Roy L Simpson, she was the beloved mother of Sally (Simpson) Radford Arsenault and the late Thomas F Simpson. She leaves behind her cherished family, grandsons Tyler Simpson Radford (Alicia) and Ryan Roy Radford (Brandy); great-grandchildren Brandon T Radford, Amaia J Radford, and Aaron K Radford; son-in-law Ronald E Arsenault; sister-in-law Beth Finnerty; and 12 nieces and nephews. 

Born and raised in Iowa, Deloris made Rhode Island her home in adulthood. She worked for more than 30 years at Kent County Hospital, where she raised funds for the hospital’s initial construction and continued until retirement as the lead clerk in its subscription office. 

Deloris took charge of life with gusto, organizing family outings and camping trips, tackling every craft she encountered, relishing Rhode Island’s ocean front and gushing over the mountains and flowers of New England. She treasured her family and friends, sharing her passion and skills with anyone who could keep up with her. Her children and grandchildren will forever remember how fun their kind, generous, loving, devoted mother and grandmother made their lives.  

Later in life, Deloris’ discovery of quilting spurred 30 years of designing and quilting joy. She quilted prolifically, becoming an active member and teacher with the Narragansett Bay and Ninigret Quilters and other groups. Her extensive collection of quilted clothing was once featured at an NBQA fashion show, and her many blue and red show ribbons surrounded the colorful quilts and wall hangings adorning her home. She loved sharing quilts with family, friends and charities. 

The ocean captivated Deloris. So smitten was she with the beachfront at East Matunuck that, at age 50, she re-designed a tiny beach cottage in Snug Harbor, crafting her own cardboard model for the builders, and let go of her beloved home in Scituate where she and Roy had raised their children. Deloris and Roy settled into their remodeled year-round beach house and launched “Almost Heaven,” enthusiastically hosting their bed and breakfast, with Deloris hosting solo into her 80s. Deloris was an active member of The Snug Harbor East Matunuck Civic Association (SHEMCA), the Snug Harbor Volunteer Fire Station Ladies Auxiliary, local bed & breakfast associations, and Adopt-a-Highway. Many Snug Harbor Fourth of July parades were graced by the elaborate floats Deloris designed, and she recruited and costumed many friends and family members with her creations.  Deloris never lost her wonder for the ocean, beaching and bodysurfing into her late 70s and often dining there in the early evening with a toast to the setting sun. 

After losing Roy at age 69, Deloris created the “Merry Widows” with a small group of friends who gathered routinely for support and fun until she was in her 80s. For 35 years, her loyal friend Tess Ingham joined Deloris nearly every Sunday to play cards and share life’s experiences. With her friends Sue Burns and Dottie Wrobel, Deloris enjoyed many years of beaching and quilting and, later, help and support. Deloris’ family is grateful for the love and care that she received in her last years from the devoted staff at Brentwood Nursing Home. They will always appreciated as part of her extended family. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, 11:00am-12:00pm, with a brief service at noon, in the Prata-Gallogly Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick, RI.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please take a personal moment to marvel at one of life’s many wonders. 

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