Janet Simpson Wilson

Janet Simpson Wilson, first child of William and Ethelda Croft Lindsey, age 93 , died in Bennington, Vermont Monday, December 4, 2023 . She graduated from Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. High School in 1947 and from St. Lawrence University at Canton, N.Y. in 1951 with a B.S. Degree. In July 1951 she began her career with New York Telephone (now Verizon) in New York, N.Y. retiring as District Manager in 1980. Mrs. Wilson lived all of her life in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. until she and her husband, Harold A. Simpson, moved to their new home in Sunderland, Vermont in 1980. She immediately became very active in local activities and organizations and maintained that interest and devotion of time until her death. As a member of the Federated Church of East Arlington, Vermont she served on many committees, in many capacities. Other organizations given much time as a member or as a board member include The Arlington Chorale, Arlington Garden Club, Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont, New England Region of the National Garden Clubs, a docent for 12 years at Hildene the Arlington Public Health Nursing Service, Pioneers of New York and New England Telephone, Arlington Food Shelf, Townscape, Manchester Historical Society, The DAR (Bennington Chapter), a trustee at the Bennington Museum, and the American Association of University Women. Janet liked to entertain in her home, enjoyed completing crypto quotes, crossword puzzles, playing card games, especially Bridge. She also liked music, especially vocal groups and over the years sang alto in many such groups plus church choirs since she was 7 years old. There was a time when Janet wrote poetry and won one contest with her entry. It was a joy for Janet to remember special events in peoples’ lives with appropriate cards or notes. For her 50th college reunion in 2001, Janet provided an autobiographical update on her life. Two excerpts from that are “I’ve made no special mark in history. Hopefully, I have made small dents contributing in some way so others would have a better time of it. I’ve had 20 years of retirement living in beautiful southwestern Vermont and interacting in one of the most supportive communities anyone could find.” Mrs. Wilson’s first husband, Harold A. Simpson, died May 4, 1998. She married Ward Wells Wilson on December 9, 2001; he died February 7, 2021. Survivors are two brothers-in-law, Dominick Carelli of Bonita Springs, FL. and Norris Hayford of Lakeland, FL, 8 nieces, 7 nephews, 28 grand nieces and nephews and 3 step-children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Donald W. Lindsey of Port Angeles, WA. on June 17, 2001; her sister Lois L. Carelli of Bonita Springs, Fl. on September 2, 2013; her sister Barbara L. Hayford of Lakeland, FL. on October 14, 2015. Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. At Mrs. Wilson’s request, there will be no visiting hours or any service. Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to the Federated Church of East Arlington, VT for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund or VNA/Hospice through the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Homes, Box 528, Arlington, VT. 05250.