Obituary of Jacqueline Paulette Simpson

Jacqueline "Jackie" Paulette Simpson, 80, of Victoria, MN, passed away on April 10, 2025. Born in Marseille, France on June 10, 1944 to parents Jacques Senet and Simone Chassagne. Jackie came to America when she was just a few years old. She grew up in southwest Minneapolis.

Jackie met the love of her life, Dean Simpson, in 1965. They were married just shy of 60 years. Together they raised three daughters, Renee, Michelle and Deanna in Chanhassen, MN, filling their home with love, laughter, and lots of company!

She enjoyed reading, gardening, boating, traveling, spending time with family and friends, throwing wonderful parties and cooking fabulous meals. She loved her cabin time - fishing, being on the water, Mexican Train, and playing Canasta (or rather, beating anyone in Canasta). She was even known to be a master detangler of fishing line. She loved the call of a loon and the croak of the spring peepers.

Jackie and Dean traveled extensively and had many adventures around the world. Her favorites included Hawaii, New Zealand and China.

Jackie loved the sound of the ocean, sitting in the sunshine, yellow flowers, and happy hour on the deck with a glass (or two) of Chardonnay. Above all she loved being a grandmother to her nine grandchildren. She had a magician-like ability to produce fruit snacks out of thin air! She spent countless hours scratching backs, reading stories, and fishing on the pontoon with her grandkids.

Jackie had an unwavering ability to make everyone feel at home with her smile and good nature. She was known to all for her tenacious spirit and her ability to overcome difficulties without complaint. Her battle with health issues for over 20 years showed her strength, courage and determination. Her sense of humor served her well in getting through tough times. She was adored by her many doctors, nurses and caregivers. She became a legend at many recovery centers because of how she overcame her setbacks and was appropriately referred to as a WARRIOR! We are so proud of that.

Jackie is survived by her husband Dean and daughters Renee Ramler, Michelle Lins and Deanna Gralapp; sons-in-law's Todd Lins and Craig Gralapp; her beloved grandchildren Simone Ramler, Charlie Ramler, Derek Ramler, Josie Ramler, Jason Ramler and Lucas Ramler, Serena Lins and Noah Lins, and Dylan Gralapp; younger brothers Jim York (Debbie) and Mark York (Tracy). She also leaves behind brother-in-law Keith Simpson, sister-in-law Karen Simpson, and sister-in-law Barb Simpson; as well as many loved nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her step-father Marvin York, mother Simone York, and younger brother Jan York.

A celebration of Jackie’s abundant life will be held at Westwood Community Church, 3121 Westwood Dr. Excelsior, MN on Monday, May 12th at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at the church.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, generosity and kindness that will ripple through generations to come. Rest in eternal peace.