I am sorry to share with you that Annellen Minkin Simpkins recently passed away. I am sharing with you as requested by her husband, Charles Simpkins, who wanted someone to know. Thanks.
Charles, I am so so sorry for your loss. During the time of our 50th reunion, I had some contact with Annellen.
We lived on the same street. We were great friends in elementary school. She had the best "Ginny Doll" collection. We played together a lot. This is a shock to my system. Was she I'll?? I will truly miss Annellen Minkin Simpkins.
To Charles and family, We are very saddened by your loss. My twin brother Mark and I moved to Strathavon in March of third grade. Annellen lived across the street, and we became best friends. I spent a lot of time over at her house and at her family's summer place. At home, there was always a flurry of activity -- like when we started the Marellen News (drawn in columns on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper) and distributed it to classmates at Lomond School, and when we put on plays in our basements for the neighborhood kids. If one of us was sick and stayed home from school, the other made a Things To Do booklet and dropped it off. And like Terri, another great friend on the block, playing Ginny Dolls at Annellen's was a favorite pastime for me, too. It was wonderful to hear from Annellen on this website around the time of the 50th reunion last year. Annellen's friendship meant a lot to me. Our families were very close, too. May you and your family be comforted by the light Annellen brought to so many.
Annellen was a very special person, just as all have remembered her. Her love for her family was evident in the joyful photographs on this site. Because we knew and treasured knowing Annellen, our understanding of your loss is deep and our condolences heartfelt.
I am so sad to learn of Annellen's passing. I only went to Shaker for 3 years, but during that time a few people stand out in my memory and Anneellen was one of them. She always was friendly and cheerful, just a joy to be around. We played sports together and she was a great teammate and supporter. I know she has left behind many that adore her. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May your wonderful memories help sustain you during this difficult time. May God comfort you and your family. Betsy (Slobody) Whitaker
I have kept in touch with only a small group of my Shaker friends. It surprises me at how Annellen's passing has affected me while reading all of htese comments and memories. Annellen and I were always in the same homeroom and we were friends. We played tennis together a few times and borrowed each others clothes, so our involvent was slight, however the friendship we had was very sweet. All the things everyone says about her are so true. She was a wonderfully kind, fun and generous person. I send my loving support to her family and close friends. The world is a lesser place without her.
You haven't heard about someone since High School, hoping to reconnect at the last reunion............then you hear of their passing...initial shock then a flood of memories.
Annellen, one with a perpetual smile, gentle disposition, compassion for other, a Mrs Jones homeroom and Board cohort and good friend.
Charles, I'm sorry for your loss (our loss)......but thankful I knew Annellen and what she brought to my life........a wonderful woman and I'm sure to be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry to hear that Annellen has passed away. We had a lovely, fun friendship in high school and I always looked back fondly on it. We kept in touch every so often and felt good about our shared memories. What a wonderful, heartfelt life Annellen lived. Love, Betsy
Edward Torchy Smith
From Edward Torchy Smith.
I got the following Email today:
Sept. 6th, 2016
I am sorry to share with you that Annellen Minkin Simpkins recently passed away. I am sharing with you as requested by her husband, Charles Simpkins, who wanted someone to know. Thanks.
Best,
Sharon
Sharon Galin
Consultant, Alumni Liaison
Shaker Heights City Schools
15600 Parkland Dr.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
(216) 295-4877
galin_s@shaker.org
Terri Lester (Gordon)
Charles, I am so so sorry for your loss. During the time of our 50th reunion, I had some contact with Annellen.
We lived on the same street. We were great friends in elementary school. She had the best "Ginny Doll" collection. We played together a lot. This is a shock to my system. Was she I'll?? I will truly miss Annellen Minkin Simpkins.
With sincere sympathy,
Terri Lester Gordon
Judith Davidson (Waller)
I am so sorry to hear of Annellen's passing. She was such a sweet and kind person may she rest in peace. My condolences go out to her family.
Mary Beth Jobe (Crane)
I remember being in Social Studies with Annellen. She had a wonderful sense of humor and made you smile! God Bless
Martha Webber (Garam)
To Charles and family, We are very saddened by your loss. My twin brother Mark and I moved to Strathavon in March of third grade. Annellen lived across the street, and we became best friends. I spent a lot of time over at her house and at her family's summer place. At home, there was always a flurry of activity -- like when we started the Marellen News (drawn in columns on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper) and distributed it to classmates at Lomond School, and when we put on plays in our basements for the neighborhood kids. If one of us was sick and stayed home from school, the other made a Things To Do booklet and dropped it off. And like Terri, another great friend on the block, playing Ginny Dolls at Annellen's was a favorite pastime for me, too. It was wonderful to hear from Annellen on this website around the time of the 50th reunion last year. Annellen's friendship meant a lot to me. Our families were very close, too. May you and your family be comforted by the light Annellen brought to so many.
Martha Webber Garam
Tim Bannon (Bannon)
Annellen was a very special person, just as all have remembered her. Her love for her family was evident in the joyful photographs on this site. Because we knew and treasured knowing Annellen, our understanding of your loss is deep and our condolences heartfelt.Betsy Slobody (Whitaker)
I am so sad to learn of Annellen's passing. I only went to Shaker for 3 years, but during that time a few people stand out in my memory and Anneellen was one of them. She always was friendly and cheerful, just a joy to be around. We played sports together and she was a great teammate and supporter. I know she has left behind many that adore her. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May your wonderful memories help sustain you during this difficult time. May God comfort you and your family. Betsy (Slobody) Whitaker
Marsie Martien (Martien)
I have kept in touch with only a small group of my Shaker friends. It surprises me at how Annellen's passing has affected me while reading all of htese comments and memories. Annellen and I were always in the same homeroom and we were friends. We played tennis together a few times and borrowed each others clothes, so our involvent was slight, however the friendship we had was very sweet. All the things everyone says about her are so true. She was a wonderfully kind, fun and generous person. I send my loving support to her family and close friends. The world is a lesser place without her.
Marsie Martien
Thomas Marshall
You haven't heard about someone since High School, hoping to reconnect at the last reunion............then you hear of their passing...initial shock then a flood of memories.
Annellen, one with a perpetual smile, gentle disposition, compassion for other, a Mrs Jones homeroom and Board cohort and good friend.
Charles, I'm sorry for your loss (our loss)......but thankful I knew Annellen and what she brought to my life........a wonderful woman and I'm sure to be missed by all who knew her.
Tom Marshall
Betsy Verne (Franco)
I am so sorry to hear that Annellen has passed away. We had a lovely, fun friendship in high school and I always looked back fondly on it. We kept in touch every so often and felt good about our shared memories. What a wonderful, heartfelt life Annellen lived. Love, Betsy