Kathryn Lynn Simpson

Kathryn Longman Simpson

Kentwood & Gull Lake

5/20/1966 - 8/2/2023​

Kathy Simpson’s childhood was spent in Jackson, Michigan, where she lived during the school year, with summers spent at the family’s multi-generation Gull Lake cottage. Her parents and three older siblings loved her deeply, creating activities and games that offered fun and learning opportunities. The family shared a love of the wonders of nature: sunsets, wild black raspberries, various pets and turtles, and everything in between. Kathy also shared in their adventures through a wide variety of activities and family vacation trips, both across the US and overseas. From childhood, Kathy lived in a way that showed her kindness and love for others. She loved holidays and giving gifts. For her, it was “more blessed to give than to receive” although she also had a childlike joy in receiving gifts. She was outgoing and proactively friendly toward anyone she met, taking pleasure in finding the good in people. Kathy also had a special connection to animals, both large and small, perhaps sensing her tender heart. Special characteristics were her generosity, desire to help others, and thoughtfulness to those around her. After graduating from Calvin University with a major in Recreation Therapy, her working life was spent assisting the less fortunate in care facilities including the Mel Trotter Ministries, David’s House, and Wedgewood Christian Services. Kathy enjoyed spending her free time visiting friends, going for walks and day trips with her husband, participating in volleyball and Bible studies, and swimming/boating on Gull Lake. She is survived by her husband, Michael D. Simpson; brothers, Mark and Eric with wife Charlene F. Longman; loving older sister, Karen Longman. She is predeceased by parents, Ernest and Marion Longman. A CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE is scheduled for SUNDAY AUGUST 6TH AT 1:00 PM at KENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH - 5841 Kalamazoo Ave SE Kentwood, MI.