Karen Rita Elizabeth (Pollari) Simpson

Augusta, GA – Mrs. Karen Rita Elizabeth (Pollari) Simpson, 79, preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Milton Simpson 79. They were both blessed and fortunate to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary just prior to his passing in 2018. Mrs. Simpson entered into rest on November 19th at home in a loving environment.

Born in Superior, Wisconsin, (of Finnish and Swedish descent) Karen grew up in the small town of Maple, Wisconsin. She graduated from Maple Northwestern Highschool in 1958 and achieved her Music and Art Degree at Superior State College. During College Karen often performed solos for weddings. Having an independent and adventurous spirit, she left Wisconsin and drove out West with her cousin Maureen Hermanson to follow her dreams and begin her new life in San Diego, California.

Karen was an accomplished Artist, Singer, Pianist, Guitarist and Organist and gifted in poetry. She spoke Finnish along with some Italian from singing Opera. She used these gifts and talents in the various churches she and her family attended from childhood through adulthood, playing the piano and organ as well as singing as a soloist or in the choir. Karen was a pianist and organist stemming from Maple and played a Vital role along with Ronald in the fruition of Pomerado Christian Church back in the early 70’s. She continued to play in each church we attended growing up until her final performing years at National Hills Baptist Church from 1991 to 2009.

With an active imagination, Karen indulged herself in the arts and brought them to life with her family, friends and peers. When she first moved to San Diego, Karen worked in the banking industry where ultimately, she met the love of her life through the Bank’s drive-through window when Ronald was doing a commercial deposit in her lane. It was love at first sight! When Ronald and Karen married, their lives together propelled them across country and Karen stayed busy taking on the role of a Mary Kay Representative, and then an Avon Representative at which she excelled for over 27 years.

Later in life, her skill sets landed her in administration as the secretary of the research division of the LTV Aerospace and Defense Company as well as a technical secretary in Human Resources working within the Department of Energy at Savannah River Site until she retired in 1994.

Through the various transfers, with children in tow, Karen and Ron moved from California up to the North West (Oregon and Washington), to Missouri, then to the North East (New York and Pennsylvania), and finally down to the Southeast settling in Augusta, Georgia where she lived for the last 28 years.

Always humble, Karen was very spiritual, and God came first in her life. She shared God’s love taking in "strays" (Missionaries and Soldier’s), no one was a stranger to her. If someone needed a home, a meal, a hug, a shoulder to cry on, she would open her arms and home without further question while giving love and support throughout the visits.

No words can encompass the enormous amount of life and love Karen had to share. Karen saw the beauty in everyone and everything and made Lemonade out of Lemons. Hardships aside, with her own losses and tragedies, she persevered and shined even more with her bubbly, carefree, and animated personality.

Family members, in addition to her beloved Husband, Ronald M. Simpson, include her children: Lori Hamm (Step-daughter) and husband Steve Hamm, Glenn Simpson (Step-son) and wife Maria Brunetto, Michael Simpson, Jennifer Simpson, Teri Richardson and husband Adam; Grandchildren: Garrett Haynie, Jaclyn Haynie, Heather Grace, Chamonix Simpson, Parker Simpson, Skyler Green, Finn Richardson and Elle Richardson; Great Grandchild: Blake Grace; Nieces and Nephews of Delores Pellman (deceased): Jim Pellman, Lora Olson, Charlene Harms, Cindy Crider, Janine Seis, Jack Pellman-also deceased. Nephews and Nieces of Calvin Pollari (deceased): Linda Pollari, Lynette Pollari, Donald Pollari and David Pollari-also deceased.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald M. Simpson 79, February 4th, 2018, parents, Theodore Pollari and wife Esther (Matteson) Pollari, Brother Calvin Pollari and Sister Delores Pellman.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday February 15th, 2020 at National Hills Baptist Church, 2725 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30909 with Rev. Kevin Steele officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at the following websites: www.ALZ.org or https://www.facebook.com/actionalz

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com