Obituary of Blanche T. Simpson

Our dear mother and beloved wife, Blanche T. Simpson (nee Ricca), who loved to be called “Ma” by her children, peacefully passed away at the age of 87,  on Wednesday March 6, 2024 at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ.  She was called a variety of names by her beloved husband, Ken, such as Gram and Ma but most frequently “Sweetheart”. This often created a response of “I’m not your Ma” or “I’m not your Gram” and always ending in “I love you”.

Blanche and Ken had 65 years of a wonderful, married life together. Blanche was born to Tessie and James Ricca on November 20, 1936.  She attended Barringer HS in Newark NJ and attended her prom with Ken.  Subsequently Ken enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington State, appointed to the Military Police.  Blanche then applied to Nursing School at St Michaels in Newark and graduated in 1957.  Blanche and Ken carried their romance throughout and then married in April of 1958. 

They started their life together living in Maplewood and their oldest child, John, was born in December of 1959 and soon to follow was their second child, Lori, born November of 1960.  In 1966, she had her third child, Jamie.  She was very fortunate to have the support of her mom, Tessie and dad, Jimmy, which enabled her to ultimately work and also to return to school for her Master Degree.  Ultimately, Blanche and Kenny built their own home in 1984 and have resided, together,  in Florham Park NJ  since.

Blanche graduated from Jersey City State with her Masters degree in 1968.  She passed her Board, NJ Department of Education, exam in 1969 which entitled her to serve as a “School Nurse” in the NJ public school system.  “Ma” spent 38 years of her life as a public servant to the Newark Board of Education;  Lafayette Street School.  

Blanche was predeceased by her sister Theresa B. Donahue.  She is survived by her most loving husband, Kenneth,  and her three children, John Simpson, Lori

Van Orden (Gregg) and Jamie Kerr (Christopher).  

She loved her children unconditionally however she held her grandchildren, Gregg, Taylor (Paige), Grant Van Orden (Kaitlin), Christopher, Bianca & Matthew Kerr,  on a pedestal above all.  They were those who made up the entirety of her world.   Gram ran her life around her children and more importantly her grandchildren.  She followed every grandchild in their sport of choice and made it a priority to miss nothing. 

In 2022 Grant and Kaitlin Van Orden blessed Blanche with her first great grandchild,  Kennedy Grace Van Orden.  Although she did not meet Kennedy she was able to share lots of moments and happiness through pictures and video.  She adored being a great grandmother. She also knew before her passing great grandchild #2 was coming for Grant and Kaitlin, and #3 for Taylor and Paige Van Orden.

Blanche loved to sew.  She made personal quilts for many which took hours on end, perfection, dedication and commitment.  Qualities she always portrayed.  She had the biggest heart and a beautiful smile. She was witty, fun, fearless and independent.  From a co-worker “an angel of a person”.  She was  incredibly compassionate, LOVED TO EAT OUT, Florida vacations, and for a long time gardening.  She was strong-willed and stubborn, but those traits defined “Ma”. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges.

One of her most stealthy attributes was her spirituality.  She made an impact on many lives and believed in the powers of the “green scapular”; devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Cures and Conversions.  She would give it as the confidant strong in her faith to many.  Those that received it from Blanche were thankful because it is the strength of her belief that enabled their healing. 

She also contributes regularly to the “Covenant House” which helps youth facing homelessness and human trafficking survivors.

Blanche cared so deeply for the people around her. She was such a kind and unimaginably generous wife, mother and grandmother.  She will be forever missed. “Ma”, “Gram” and “Sweetheart” until we meet again.

 Please come and honor the life of Blanche T Simpson:

Visitation will be held at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave on Sunday March 10^th from 2-6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills. Entombment in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Blanche Simpson’s memory to the Parkinson’s foundation (Parkinson.org)  or

St. Jude (stjude.org).