Dorella L. Simpkins

We are here to celebrate the life of Dorella Louise Simpkins, affectionately known as Dee. Born on Wednesday, February 23, 1944 to Theodis and Kathryn Simpkins in Newark, New Jersey.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times.   

Family and friends are invited to the memorial visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Wednesday, February 8^th. from 10:00-11:00AM.  At the conclusion of the visitation the burial of Dee’s cremains will take place in the family plot in Rosehill Cemetery in Linden. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dee’s memory to either Alzheimer’s Research or Breast Cancer Awareness.

She has begun passage to the next part of her journey joining her parents along with her younger brother Joseph “Joey”, (Joe) Simpkins who have preceded her in death.

Dee has always been a very studious person. After graduating from high school, she furthered her education by working to put herself through school earning her Associates in Applied Science from Bronx Community College, her Bachelor of Arts degree from Leman College and her Masters degree in Community Health Education with a minor in Occupational Health and Safety from Hunter College. She was a member of the AKA, Inc. National Sociology Society Mu Chapter of New York. Early on in her education she earned her LPN license. Then went on to become a RN specializing in kidney disease among infants. After spending some time working at a couple of NYC hospitals she pursued her passion for clinical research and went on to work for several pharmaceutical companies both stateside and abroad eventually retiring from Ethicon in Somerville, New Jersey.

Counting herself blessed Dee wanted to be a blessing. She enjoyed giving back and did so by making monetary donations to several organizations in support of good causes that benefit the community as well as volunteering her services, time, talents and knowledge at Minisink, Susan G. Coleman, United Way, American Red Cross, Tri County Care Management Organization and Zufall Health Community Health Centers.

Being a person who loved to travel she did not hesitate to do so by air, land or sea. Some of her travels consisted of Africa, China, Holland, France, Greece, England, and the Caribbean just to name a few.

Dee was a daughter, a sister, a student, a nurse, a world traveler, an aunt, a “mother”, a cousin, a friend, a soror and a philanthropist who lived a very full life and did so on her terms.

On the morning of Monday, January 9, 2023 Dee transitioned from her earthly vessel. Left to cherish, honor and mourn her memory are a host of relatives and an abundance of friends. As we reflect on our time with her let our hearts be filled with joy and we smile through our tears.

She is greatly missed!!    

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.