Grace A. Simpson, 88, of Dubuque, died Sunday, July 12, 2026. Visitation will be from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Church of the Nativity, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Grace was born Jan. 30, 1938, in Dubuque, daughter of Walter and Mary (Crawford) Rogan. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and married Glen Simpson on Feb. 15, 1958, at Holy Ghost Church. He preceded her in death in 1982.

Grace was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy was bringing people together. Her home was the heart of countless family gatherings, where delicious meals, laughter, music, and unconditional love were always on the menu. There was always a seat at Grace’s table, whether you were family, a friend, or someone who simply needed a place to belong. She cherished her Irish heritage, loved music, and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome.

Throughout her life, Grace was a beloved member of the Sacred Heart School staff and later served the Dubuque community as a school bus attendant, where her kindness, humor, and caring nature touched the lives of countless children and families.

Grace also had a deep love for animals and never hesitated to open her heart to a pet in need. Whether they had four legs, feathers, or paws, animals always found a safe and loving home with her. Her compassion for every living creature reflected the generosity, warmth, and kindness that defined her life.

Grace will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, fun-loving personality, and the colorful vocabulary that could make anyone laugh. She loved deeply, laughed often, and never hesitated to speak her mind. She created a home where everyone felt welcome, accepted, and loved.

Grace leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, laughter, compassion, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created, the traditions she cherished, and the love she shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by five children, Glynn Ann (Bill) Murray, Steve “Simps” Simpson, Bill Simpson, Stacey (Tom) Downing, and Beth (Dennis) Jaeger, all of Dubuque; 11 grandchildren, Joe (Trina) Murray and their children, Rowan and Brynn; Kristi (Jason) Cottrell; Elizabeth (Alec) Wylie-Finn and their son, George; Lydia (Gil Rivera) Wylie; Jacob (Camille) Simpson and their son, Rhett; Alex and Dylan Simpson; Connor (Marissa) Simpson and their daughter, Alivia; Claire Simpson; Jackson (Katie Fitzpatrick) Jaeger; and Charlie Jaeger; cherished friend Jeanne Maddox; and countless beloved nieces and nephews, especially Molly Mueller.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen; a son-in-law, Steven Wylie; and siblings, Jean Sutton, Shirley Hanson, Bob Rogan, Patsy Foley, Mary Mueller, and Jimmy Rogan.

The family extends its sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care.