Vandee K. Simkowski

Vandee K. Simkowski (Simpson)
Vandee died peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2011, at her sister's home in New Hampshire after a five-year struggle with breast cancer. She was 57 years old. Vandee was a resident of Wakefield, Rhode Island. Vandee was born on February 5, 1954 in Texas, but grew up in Connecticut. She was the wife of the late Frank Simkowski, and the daughter of Lorraine E. Simpson, of Dennis, Massachusetts, and the late John A. Simpson. She was the loving mother of two sons, John D. Marth and his wife Maria Marth of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Joshua E. Marth and his wife Brandy Marth of Wakefield, Rhode Island, and she was the loving and doting grandmother of fifteen month old Lillian Dalia Marth, daughter of Joshua and Brandy Marth. She is also survived by her sister, Lorri E. Badolato of Newton, New Hampshire, and her brother, Robert C. Simpson of Dennis, Massachusetts. Vandee worked for Sullivan Paving Company of Essex, Connecticut for eighteen (18) years. Vandee leaves many dear friends who walked the last five years and more with her, and to whom her family owes a debt of gratitude. Her friends brought good cheer and a support network to a life that was sometimes difficult, and which helped her to stay in her home until the last few days. Vandee loved the ocean and she spent many days at her friend's cottage at Roy Carpenter's Beach in Matunuck, Rhode Island. She moved from Connecticut to Rhode Island to be close to the open ocean. She treasured her family and loved having them at her home where many an impromptu party occurred. She also loved to travel and to garden. Vandee had a creative spark, a keen sense of humor and a generosity that will be much missed by all who knew her. Vandee will be cremated, and consistent with her wishes, a gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 4, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Village Inn in Narragansett. The Village Inn is located across the street from Narragansett Beach, and there is ample parking available. (1 Beach Street, Narragansett RI. 401-783-6767). Please join us for some lunch, laughs and memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rhode Island Hospital Foundation, Development Office, P.O. Box H, Providence, RI 02901 (include a note indicating that the donation is in memoriam of Vandee Simkowski), or on line at: https://giving.lifespan.org/RIHgiving; or to the breast cancer research organization of your choice.