Helen J. Simpson

Helen Jean Simpson, 99 of Wichita, KS passed away on Monday, December 19,
2023 after a brief illness. She was born the middle of three children to Fred
Shaning and Olga (Mansky) Shaning on April 20, 1924 in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada. She was confirmed in the Albright Memorial Evangelical Church. During
World War II she worked at Canada Packers in Winnipeg, a major supplier of meat
to England during the conflict. After the war she married Royal Canadian Air
Force veteran, Thomas Simpson in 1948. The family grew and in 1954 Helen and
two sons arrived at the old Wichita Municipal Airport shortly before it closed to
become McConnell Air Force Base. She joined her husband, Thomas who found
work with the railroad (and a warmer climate) a few months earlier. The family
continued to grow, adding a daughter and two more sons. In 1963 the family of
seven returned to Canada for a year in order to apply for permanent U.S.
residency. In 1975 Helen and Thomas proudly became naturalized U.S. citizens.
Helen was completely devoted to her family. She was an all-around wonderful
person who connected with and cared about so many people. She was frugal,
hardworking, reverent, gracious and kind. She was always so proud of her family.
She will be missed for a very long time by everyone who knew her.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Olga, brothers, Edward and
Robert, daughter-in-law, Cathleen (Barry) in 2009, husband, Thomas in 2015, Son
Thomas Jr in 2022, and son Glenn in 2023. Survivors include Barry of Tucson, AZ,
Karen (Matthew Stephen) Copeland of Wichita, Brian (Karen Gertsen) of Wichita,
Grandchildren; Katie (Andrew) Vienot of Evanston, IL, James Copeland of
Coffeyville, KS, Will Simpson of Wichita, Ryan Simpson of Tucson, AZ and two
great-grandsons.

Share condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.

Memorials suggested to:

 Holy Cross Lutheran Church

600 North Greenwich

Wichita, KS 67206.