Janice Simpich Obituary

To all the Simpich Family…I was so sorry and sad to hear of Jan's passing, but so thankful to know that Heaven is rejoicing as she begins her eternal life with the Lord. I began my collection of beautiful Simpich dolls in 1975 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ft. Collins, CO where we lived at the time and continued until the Gallery doors closed. I treasure my dolls, but even more, I treasure the opportunity to have met Bob, Jan, Reg, David, Debbie and their lovely family AND the numerous ladies in the shop when I would come to select, order, and pick up dolls. The Simpich Gallery was so much more than a shopping stop…it was a lovely reflection of all that was good in the world and the peace and grace of our Lord. Of course the dolls were an amazing work of art but more than that they were a joyful expression of the family that created them. It was an uplifting experience to visit the Simpich Gallery! I must say we still love the museum and especially love David's awesome Marionette Theatre and beautiful presentations. Jan's obituary is perfection…perfectly describing the loveliness of this woman and the love story she shared with Bob! I am so thankful to be acquainted with the Simpich family and count you as a part of my story. Though I mourn her loss, I am so thankful for her life and the beauty she shared with so many. What a legacy she left! With our sympathy and prayers for you all, Dan & Bobbie Jensen

Dear Simpich Family, my mom, Donna Biddle, discovered your dolls years ago and instantly fell in love with them. My family has enjoyed your dolls for many years and love seeing them displayed at Christmas time - they have become part of our tradition. What a beautiful legacy your mom has left you. My mom passed away three years ago on May 18th and I know she was first in line to welcome Jan above. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

My prayers go out to all the Simpich family and friends. I am saddened by your loss.

Dear Simpich family,
My thoughts are with all of you, as I fondly remember painting the many miniature faces that Jan created with such delight. She was a wonderful person and knowing her was an honor.
With much love,
Linda

Jan's artistic legacy is perpetuated in her son David and his family. Sharing in that creativity from time to time has been my great pleasure. Linda Johnson, Ivywild Costumes

Jan lived a life that left no doubt of her love of God and her family.Jan will be missed but her memory will live on for all that had the privilege of knowing her.
Julie Williams

To my beloved Simpich Family,

It's hard to believe that 16 long years ago I showed up at Simpich Character Dolls front door-step, barely 18 years of age. Bob and Jan took me in, molded me and shaped me over 8+ years, like they molded and shaped their beautiful sculpture creations. They made such a profound impact on my life....for this I am forever indebted. I didn't ask and they didn't offer, that is just what they did....and they were so good at it! I strongly believe that I have become the man I am today thanks to the selfless and wonderful example they set forth, not only for myself, but for so many others. I have never met another Bob or another Jan Simpich....and I don't believe I ever will. I loved them like Grandparents I never had, and they mean more to me than words can convey.....so it is with a heavy heart that I say my final goodbye, and thank them for all the beautiful memories, and for their love and compassion towards all.

Somberly,

Condolences for the loss of one of the Lord's earthly angels. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Prayers for all.

As a little girl going to see the dolls at Simpich was the highlight of a special day. Taking my children there to pick their birthday doll carried on that tradition. Closed before my grandchildren got to watch thru the window seeing the dolls made has not stopped the tradition, I am still finding these wonderful dolls to keep the tradition alive. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. Gods Blessings to the Simpich family.

Much love to a beautiful woman, who will be missed so much by so many, including me. My heart goes out to the Simpich family... praying for you all... may God bless.

I will always remember going to the Simpich home and having a great time while my parents worked along side Bob and Jan on the dolls. This evolved into us kids helping turn robes, dress angles, make halos and even painting lanterns. What wonderful memories of time spent with the Simpich family. On behalf of the entire Koets family, I end our thoughts, prayers and condolences to your family. What a wonderful legacy Jan leaves behind.

To The Simpich Family,
Thank you for sharing the talented Jan with us. Through her Simpich Characters, Christmas came alive. I will think of her this Christmas Season as I fill my house with the "little people" she so lovingly created. Liz DiGregorio

My condolences to the whole Simpich family. Jan was a wonderful, gifted, godly woman. I true inspiration. I think of her & the Simpich family often. They were giving, loving and supportive of me during difficult times. I am blessed to have worked for the Simpichs and to have know Jan. With deepest and heartfelt regards

To Bob and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jan was a beautiful, loving, strong women who touched my life deeply. I am a better person for knowing and loving her and all of your family. The angels are singing but we are weeping, she will be greatly missed.

Cathy and I are so sorry to learn of Jan's death. Like others, we've been moved over the years by the dolls she initiated and the family she raised. We are out of town so will miss the service, but our thoughts will be with you.

To our special Simpich Family,

Our hearts grieve for a woman who touched so many lives including ours. She was a warm and gracious lady who welcomed us as part of the family. We know your grief is deep, but so is your faith in knowing she is in the most beautiful place of all.

Kim & Shirley Robinson family

To the Simpich Family, May the life of love and devotion to all that she knew and helped through her exceptional talents live on as a legacy and inspiration to not only the family members, but to the community and society in general. She was a devoted Artist, Mother, and Wife. May she enjoy eternity in the loving embrace of our Lord. Rob and B.J. Shernick

My heart is heavy upon learning of Jan's passing. It is with deepest gratitude and love that I honor her. I had the privilege of working for Jan and Bob so many years ago. That time spent with them profoundly changed my life and for that I am eternally grateful. There hasn't been one year since that I don't reflect back on those special times when I go through the yearly Holiday ritual of pulling out my Angels and Cloud Babies to hang on the Christmas tree, each one being a celebration of Love, Family and God. Thank you Jan for bringing so much light into the world.

I was honored to know and work for Jan and Bob. She was a lovely Lady, so very gifted.

I didn't know Mrs. Simpich but she always brings joy when I bring out the Christmas Carolers and Elves each Christmas. Blessings on your family during this difficult time.

The Legend lives on through her amazing Simpich character dolls enjoyed all over the world.

This woman loved me as a very special part of her family since my days in Junior High when I was officially introduced to her son Ragan who became my husband. The rest of my life on earth will lived in response to the love she and her Living Lord have shown me. I will love others forever yet will not be able to love as much as I have been loved. We are enjoying the comments and response of people around the world who knew her, her artwork and were touched by the love it expressed. We are learning as a family daily how many ways she touched people. I hope many of you will take time to express your thoughts about her here as there will not be time to express them all at the memorial service. I love the way this was written by her son David.

Dear Bob, Such a loss for you and your children! Hope I can make it to the service. We have four Simpich dolls that remind us constantly of Janice's talents and her contribution to the world of Art and a good life.

Jack Frost

Aunt Jan was a wonderful lady, and we will all miss her strength of spirit and her amazing character. May she rest in peace. God bless the family and all who mourn her loss. Love, Sandy Twyman

Mr. Simpich and family. My heart goes out to you all.
Bob Cornelius
East Jr. 9th grade class of 1957