Vivian K. Simpson, 83, passed away on September 18th at her daughter’s home in St. Louis, Missouri, where she was under the care of Hospice and her family. There will be a service next summer at a time and place to be announced.
Vivian was born May 25th, 1942, in Potsdam, New York, as the last of ten children of Kenneth and Olive Partlow Simpson. She graduated from Clayton High School and attended Purdue University.
She was married to Donald Vergin for 37 years, living in Indiana, California and Wisconsin before returning to Clayton as the proprietor of the Thousand Islands motel.
She was a hairdresser at The House of Style on James Street in Clayton for many years. After retirement, she was a loving caregiver for several elderly patients in the area. She also was a hair stylist for the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton for over 30 years.
Vivian was a former member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Clayton.
She enjoyed quilting/knitting/crocheting for her family and friends, attending her kids’ sporting events, and spending time on the St. Lawrence River. She delighted in entertaining her extended family and many lifelong friends at her home in Clayton, especially on the front porch.
Surviving are four children, Kevin (Carol) of Phoenix, Oregon, Kelly (Staci) of Brockport, New York, Karrie of St. Louis, Missouri, and Kristen of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren (Drew Schuffert, Emily and Patrick Schranck, and Kennedy and Colton Vergin); one great grandchild (Liam Schuffert); two sisters, Barbara Woodward of Jupiter, Florida, and Janet Cooke of Springfield, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by four brothers, Kenneth Jr., William, Richard, and Keith and three sisters, Elizabeth, Carol, and Sue.
A son Kenneth passed away on April 15th, 2015.
Donations can be made in her name to Christ Episcopal Church, 235 John Street, Clayton N.Y. 13624.
Arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
Condolences can be made at trjetty.com
Sue and Gib Streets
Very sorry to hear of your loss. A very caring woman. I remember taking the kids to her for haircuts.
Please all take care. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Debbie Verville
My heart is heavy for each and everyone of you. I’ve been reflecting on the years of great times. Vagas was never the same after she and I gave it up. Rest in peace my friend
Patti Kendall
Our deepest condolences to the family. Your Mom was a warm and kind lady, who will be missed by so many.
Vivian will be fondly remembered by the Healy and Kendall families.
Kristen
So true Debbie, thank you ❤️
JOHN MASSEY
I am so sorry for the passing of vivian.. I knew her when i went to hairdressing school in watertown in 1978 79. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers to her family.. may she rest in peace.
Jim Fisher
To Kevin, Kelly, Kerry And Kristen,
I am so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We Fishers send our thoughts and prayers your way for your loss and wish you all the best.
Jim Fisher
Kevin Vergin
Thanks, Jim!
Hal and Sindy Matthews
Sindy and I are so sorry to hear of Vivians passing. Our kids grew up as well as us getting our hair cut by Vivian. Along the way she also gave us some great advice on life in general. She can now rest in peace.
Bryan Mallette
To all of Viv’s family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful lady and lived a life full of love with all of you. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ruth Marchetti
Kevin, Kelly, Kerry And Kristen,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was so kind and generous in welcoming my family to Clayton. We moved in on December 1st and were at your family Christmas party that year. I have such fond memories of visits on the porch and neighborhood gatherings. She was a good friend and a good neighbor.
Love to all,
Ruth Putnam Marchetti
Kevin Vergin
Thanks so much for your kind message. It is so good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Meredith Patterson
To Kevin, Kelly, Kerry And Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this incredible difficult time.
Deidra Henderson
Vivian was the most down to earth, breath of fresh air, sweetest person you’d ever meet in this lifetime.
Rest now Viv, you will be missed.
Deidra Henderson
Bill Breitenbuecher
So sorry to hear of Viv’s passing. Holding you all close in mind and heart.
JE Okut
To all her children. You all are amazing. The stories of get togethers with her, playing cards, board games, eating and laughing is jealous worthy. I know there will be a hole in life that no one or nothing can replace. But let it be a warm fire of her smiling down on you all with the warmth of a heart of a mother whose children brought her joy and laughter to her very last days.
God Bless and keep you all moving in a positive and safe direction and keep you all together in fun and light..
JEO
Cheryl Bartlett
My heart is heavy over the passing of your mom. I have known Vivian for many years. We became good friends when we both were hairstylist. I always look up to her for advise with hair and life in general. She was a wonderful friend and mentor to me. Ill never for get all our special talks during her visit with me to get her haircut. I was so blessed to have such a great friend. My deepest condolences to the Family.
Bonnie Byrne
Among the many memories, the one that stands out the most is that Vivian taught me to quilt. A small group of us met at her house and from there we created some beautiful work. She had patience and we had a lot of laughs! What a lady!
Kristen
Those quilting nights were so fun! Wonderful memories! Thank you
Jessica Lewis
May you forever be with angels aunt viv. My children will always cherish the gifts you made them as will I. Bless the family & I hope all is well. The memories i have from clayton and the family reunions will never fade. Im so glad Grandma Sue has more company and it makes me so at peace for you both. Love you always aunt viv!
Todd & Linda Clinton
Kevin, Kelly, Karrie & Kristen
Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
Steve LeBlanc
I think I got through all five of the “K Kids” at school before I really got to know Vivian. She cut my hair on and off for a lot of years. Haircuts were always a treat thanks of Vivian. She was a very special lady who made Clayton a better place to live. She will be missed!
Steve LeBlanc
I think I got through all five of the “K Kids” at school before I really got to know Vivian. She cut my hair on and off for a lot of years when she was living in Clayton. Haircuts were always a treat thanks of Vivian. She was a very special lady who made Clayton a better place to live. She will be missed!
Todd & Linda Clinton
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Steven Dwyer
To the family, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. Your Mom was always kind and welcoming, a very nice lady. I have many fond memories of her. I hope your own memories and stories will give you comfort.
Rick Jetty
To Kevin, Kelly, Kerry And Kristen,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a great lady and great neighbor. Many memories of her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.