She is survived by sons Kevin and Michael, grandchildren Stephen (Priscilla) and Theresa (Ivan), great-grandchildren Mateo and Elena, sister Margaret Mary Brown, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband of 48 years Daniel Kane Simpson, parents Joseph and Catherine McHale Brown, and brothers Dr. Joseph Browne and Dr. William Brown.
Joanne attended St. Ignatius grade school and graduated from the Immaculate Heart Academy in 1953 in Ashland, PA. Joanne received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of PA where she was later a member of the faculty in the School of Nursing. She and her family moved to Fullerton, CA in 1977. She enjoyed playing piano and organ and was the organist at St. Ignatius Church in Centralia, PA. Among her volunteer work was with St. Jude Hospital Guild, Assistance League of Fullerton, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Eucharistic Minister to the home bound, and a charter member of the Orange County Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Mass will be held Thursday November 14th starting at 11 am at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Fullerton, CA. Interment will follow at 2 pm at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).
Flowers are to be sent to McAulay and Wallace Mortuary c/o Joanne Simpson, 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA, 92832 for delivery on Wednesday November 13th.
