Isabel Conway (Murray) Simpson (1900 – 2003)
She was a graduate of Springhill schools, Acadia University, Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and McGill University and followed the nursing profession for forty years. She spent most of her working years as a nursing instructor and assistant administrator in hospitals in New York and New Jersey. She was an adherent to St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church, Springhill, a member of the Canadian Red Cross, Springhill Heritage Society, Cumberland Cancer Society and All Saints Springhill Hospital Foundation and Auxiliary. Following her retirement Mrs. Simpson became a dedicated volunteer who over the years received an Appreciation Award for hospital and community work from the Trustees and Board of All Saints Hospital, as well as a member of Hospital Family, Canada; Life Style Award Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada and Town of Springhill, Life Style Award from Health and Welfare Canada, Certificate of Appreciation – Outstanding Support from Cobequid Chapter I.O.D.E., Springhill Centennial Citizen of the Year (1989), Canadian Cancer Society NS Division Volunteer of the Year, Terry Fox Citation as well as many other service organization awards.
Mrs. Simpson was a kind and caring individual who demonstrated a genuine affection for all people and who was truly committed to her community. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family having been predeceased by her husband, Frederick Lorimer “Sim” Simpson; sister, Annie G. Murray; brothers Charles R., John M., W. Cecil and Col. Robert R.
It was through Isabel’s pride in her heritage and her generous bequest that the Isabel Simpson Heritage Museum and the Interpretive Kiosk located on Main Street were founded. Located in the former McCall’s Nursing Station of the Cumberland Railway and Coal Company the Springhill Heritage Society located here in 2009 and the Isabel Simpson Heritage Museum opened its doors to the public on 8 June 2010.
Isabel was not only a dedicated volunteer but exemplified the vibrant spirit of Springhill residents and always found a way to tell people about the pride she had in that heritage.
(from information prepared by Carl Demings & research by Don Tabor)
Errors or omissions please report to the webmaster@springhillheritage.ca
