In Memoriam: Betty Jan Simpson

Betty Jan Simpson of Canyon Lake was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother during her incredible 98 years of life. She entered eternal rest peacefully in the early hours of April 15, 2023.

Betty Jan Simpson

BJ had a long and full life. She was born in Los Angeles, California on Nov. 15, 1924, the only child to parents Argyle H. and Betty Claire Gudie. She was raised in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles where she attended and graduated from John Marshall High School. It was during high school that she met her husband-to-be, John F. Simpson (Johnny). They were married Aug. 21, 1941 in Los Angeles when she was age 17 and prior to Johnny joining the Army.

BJ and Johnny spent the early years of their marriage traveling, primarily in the southern United States, during Johnny’s service and training in the Army. During this time, BJ worked numerous jobs to support their family, including working at a retail dress store, at a lunch counter, and as a seamstress.

After the war, BJ and Johnny returned to Southern California where they ran a chicken farm for a short while. They settled down in Eagle Rock, and then in the Silver Lake District in Los Angeles where BJ supported Johnny in his publishing career for over 25 years.

During this time, they raised two sons and a daughter while living in Glendale, California. BJ was involved in many activities including the PTA at her children’s school and her church. She enjoyed workouts, swimming, and taking trips in their family travel trailer.

She also loved to entertain at the family beach house in Manhattan Beach. BJ and Johnny loved to travel to Catalina Island where they spent many a summer with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

BJ’s early retirement years were spent with Johnny in the Palm Springs area before they built and moved to their home in Canyon Lake. She lived in Canyon Lake for more than 35 years, enjoying the community’s many activities including the Canyon Lake Car Club, Bunco parties and community trips with friends to Mexico.

BJ was predeceased by Johnny. They were married for more than 77 years. BJ is survived by two sons, Steve and Jim, and one daughter Dale. Her memory lives on with her five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

The family is forever grateful to Janette and Angela Mohammad for their invaluable support and for surrounding BJ with love during her last months.

We will miss BJ dearly, but we are grateful for the time we had to spend with her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts. Services will be held at Menifee Valley Cemetery on May 1 at 10:30 a.m.