Simpkinson, Helen Isaac Schmidt (1890-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Jan 5 p. 8

Birth date: 1890 Dec 27

text of obituary:

MRS. HELEN SIMPKINSON

Mrs. Helen Simpkinson, nee Isaac, was born to Abram and Katharine Isaac in Rueckenau, South Russia on Dec. 27, 1890, and departed this life in Upland, Calif. on Dec. 16, 1960, at the age of 70 years less eleven days. When three years old, with her parents, sisters and a brother, she came to the United States and the family settled on a farm two miles north of Bethel College near Newton, Kan. She grew to womanhood in the Newton area, except for several years when the family lived in Oklahoma.

On June 4, 1908, she was married to Albert Schmidt of North Newton in the College chapel with her uncle, Rev. David Goerz, officiating. To this union one son, Arthur, was born.

In 1926 she was married to Henry Pierce Simpkinson, who adopted her son and gave him a college education. She was widowed in 1933 when her husband died suddenly of a heart attack. She was employed at the McLellan Air Field near Sacramento for several years, until she became involved in a car collision and sustained permanent injuries, resulting in a heart condition.

She moved to Upland to be near her sisters and lived here for the past seven years. She transferred her membership to the First Mennonite Church here and became an ardent worker in various organizations. A year ago she was elected deacon and served well in this capacity.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, while driving alone in her car occurred. [sic] Police and firemen came had time [sic] to stop the motor before she slumped into the seat. Those who observed that she was in difficulty came to her assistance and the car was brought to a full stop before any traffic accident occurred. Police and firemen came to her aid and she was rushed by ambulance to the San Antonio Hospital where she passed away Friday morning.

Surviving are one son, Arthur Simpkinson, his wife Ruth and two grandsons, Henry and Howard Simpkinson of Eagle Rock, Calif.; three sisters, Susie Reimer and Agnes Green of Upland, and Mrs. Ed Hillendahl of Tracy, Calif.; and one brother, T. J. Isaac, also living in California.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, Dec. 19, at the First Mennonite Church of Upland with her pastor, Rev. Paul Goering, officiating.

The remains were entombed in the Bellevue Mausoleum at Ontario, Calif.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1961 Jan 17 p. 47

Text of obituary:

Mrs. Helen (Isaac) Simpkinson, member of the First Mennonite Church, Upland, California, was born in Russia, December 27, 1890, and passed away December 16, 1960.