Colleen Marie (Bryant) Simpson

On Sunday, July 18, 2021, Colleen Marie (Bryant) Simpson, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 66 peacefully with her two daughters by her side. 

Colleen was born on July 18, 1955, to Pauline Vivian (Laufer) Bryant and Dr. Maurice E. Bryant in Lewiston, Idaho. The family moved to the Grand Coulee Dam area in 1967, and she graduated from Lake Roosevelt High School in 1973. Colleen had two daughters, Tara and Laura, with Dale W. Rinker.

Colleen loved volunteering and being part of many community services in the Grand Coulee Dam community. She was a part of the GCD Chamber of Commerce for many years, being one of the founders behind the Laser Light show on the dam and yearly Memorial Day festival. 

In 1995 Colleen moved to Aberdeen, Washington, where she would meet her husband. William 'Bill' Allen Simpson and Colleen were married in a small intimate ceremony on December 16, 2003, in Aberdeen, Washington combining their families with nine children.

Colleen loved Aberdeen and being so close to the ocean, a place she would often visit. From 2007 to 2015 Bill became the Mayor of Aberdeen making Colleen the First Lady of Aberdeen. Colleen and Bill built many amazing relationships in the community during this time and enjoyed being part of many community events. 

In her free time Colleen enjoyed many different craft projects, planting flowers, reading, visiting the ocean, spending time with her husband and grandchildren, and of course her passion for the Christmas season. Her love for the Christmas season was contagious with a complete home makeover each year to involve multiple trees, many nutcrackers, a large village, snowmen, music playing from every object, angels, handmade ornaments, and a smorgasbord of appetizers and treats.  

Colleen is survived by her two daughters Tara (Preston) Wood of Texas, and Laura (Jason) Warrington of Oregon. Her seven step-children of Washington: Cynthia (Rick) Cusato, William D. Simpson, Lisa, Jennifer (Lance) Graham, Jessica Charlton, James (Annie) Simpson, and Jillian Simpson. Her siblings Lincoln (Eileen) Bryant of Washington, Stephanie McCoy of California, Linda Hillman of Washington, Michael (Margaret) Bryant of Washington, Maureen Bryant of Virginia, Jerry Paul (Carol) Bryant of Washington, James (Deborah) Bryant of Washington; 17 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchildren, and her many beloved friends. 

Colleen is proceeded in death by her husband Mr. Simpson (2021), her mother Pauline (2019), her sister Sharon Kupit (2018), and her father Dr. Bryant (1998). 

Please join us to celebrate Colleen's life at Harrison Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Colleen touched the lives of many, and she will be missed. Donations may be made to the Aberdeen Art Center, 200 West Market Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520.