Sarah E. “Sadie” Simpson, 94, long-time Oak Harbor resident, died at Mathis Adult Care Home on May 11, 2002.

Mrs. Simpson was born in Oscoda, Mich., on April 28, 1908, to Ezra and Etta London. She was raised in Oscoda and Battle Creek, Mich. Following her high school graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed in civil service. She became a pre-school teacher, a position which she held for many years.

Sadie was married to Ernest Simpson in Washington, D.C., on June 26, 1945. They moved to various duty stations to which he was sent with the Navy, and eventually ended up at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1963. In addition to teaching preschool here, she also taught Sunday school wherever she lived. Sadie was a member of First Christian Church of Kingsville, Texas, and attended the Navy Base Chapel at NAS Whidbey and First Baptist Church of Oak Harbor.

Sadie enjoyed Jazzercise at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. She loved her family very much, and her grandson was a particular joy to her.

She is survived by her son Michael E. Simpson and wife Mary of Bartlett, Tenn.; grandson Jon Simpson and wife Erica and great-grandson Jacob Simpson, all of Memphis, Tenn.; also several other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1967 and by six brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 16 at 10 a.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel, Pastor Clint Webb officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Francisco, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.