DARTMOUTH -- Doris S. Simpkin, 98, of South Dartmouth died peacefully at home Thursday, April 15, 2004, after a period of declining health. She was the widow of David Simpkin Sr.
Born in Wareham, the daughter of the late Charles R. and Theresa (Burke) Studley, she lived in this area most of her life.
Mrs. Simpkin was active in many community organizations. Known to her friends and colleagues as a "scrapper," she had a reputation for getting things done. She made a lot of friends in her 42 years in Dartmouth.
After training as a nurse at City Hospital in Hartford, Conn., she worked at Morton Hospital in Taunton. From there, she was administrator and supervisor of the Savoy Nursing Home, New Bedford.
Active in a number of volunteer organizations during the war years, she trained teenagers to serve the American Red Cross. She was active with that organization for more than 10 years.
In 1968, she worked long days and nights for the Council on Aging, becoming a volunteer director. She put together a volunteer team and started a meal program and other elder services.
For years, she worked with town officials to complete a senior center for two towns.
She was known for instilling the spirit of cooperation and support into groups benefiting seniors. She aimed to preserve the dignity of each person as an individual.
She was a member of the Smith Neck Friends Meeting.
She and her family were appreciative of the care she was given by her caretakers and the Community Nurses.
Survivors include a son, David Simpkin Jr. of South Dartmouth; five grandchildren, Pamela Haller of Concord, Donald Simpkin and Kevin Simpkin, both of Dartmouth, David Simpkin III of New Bedford and Robin Simpkin of Athens, Maine; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Her graveside service will be at 10 a.m. April 17, 2004 at the South Dartmouth Cemetery, South Dartmouth, Ma.