Gwendolyn Simpson

She is survived by her three children, Jennifer (Carl), Kelly (Nicholas), and Doug (Mia) in addition to her six grandchildren, Drew, Christian, Matthew, Samantha, Emerson, and Wyatt.

Gwen was born September 19, 1945, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late George and Mary Catherine Robinson. A self-described “Air Force Brat,” Gwen attended school all over the country, however, her favorite years were in Japan attending Yamato High School, where she gained lifelong friendships. She was lucky enough to be married to two wonderful men. She considered her first husband, Gary Weissenberger & his wife, Barbara, to be part of her family. She then married, Jim Simpson whom she shared 25 loving years with until he passed in 1999. Gwen was a real jack-of-all-trades throughout her life in New Jersey and North Carolina, but she finally settled in the healthcare sector, working at Atlas Chiropractic of Raleigh for sixteen years. After that, she cared for her youngest grandchild, Emerson, and then worked in senior care part-time.

Gwen loved cats, Stephen King, true crime, and Charles Barkley - but don’t even get her started on “Raleigh drivers.” In the 80s, she successfully conquered her crippling addiction to Ms. Pac-Man…only to be replaced by Burgertime. She enjoyed spending time with her family and being surrounded by nature. She loved to laugh—Seinfeld was her all-time favorite show, followed closely by Survivor. Gwen always enjoyed a good party—if Motown started playing, you couldn’t keep her off the dance floor. She also loved word games and had several active Words with Friends games going at the time of her passing. Gwen was a beautiful soul whose radiant smile and contagious laugh always brightened and warmed any room that she entered. She was very loved and will be missed so deeply.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Warren, and the love of her life, Jim.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. at the Martinez Residence – 10613 Silverwood Creek Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614. Attire is dressy casual; a special tribute & toast in her honor will be made at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the following charities: Mission:Wolf in Westcliffe, Colorado, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite story of memory of Gwendolyn, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.