Jane Simpson Leahy, a resident of Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square, and former long term resident of Bryn Mawr, passed away peacefully, her loving children by her side, on January 16, 2018. She was 95.

Born on September 25, 1922 in Philadelphia, the eldest child of the late Joseph W. and Yvonne Beauvais Simpson. Jane was raised in Cynwyd and Narberth, PA.  She is pre-deceased by her sister Yvonne Simpson Murphy and her brother William Simpson.

She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Overbrook, from 1 ^st grade all through to high school graduation.  She continued her education graduating from Georgetown Visitation, Washington DC.  She was always a Sacred Heart girl and proud of it.  For many years, Jane continued to enjoy her weekly bridge with her Sacred Heart friends.

Jane held Camp Jeanne d'Arc in Merrill, NY, near and dear to her heart her entire life.  She loved the time spent by the shores of Lake Chateaugay.   She was quite the athlete – canoeing, tennis, archery – and she loved campfire.  Later in life, Jane enjoyed singing many of her favorite songs from JDA, creating her own "campfire" wherever she was.

Jane was happily married to the late Hugh "Bud" Leahy.  They started out their married life in Texas where Bud was stationed while serving in the Army during World War II.  From there they moved to California, Merion, PA, and Chatham, New Jersey, before returning to Bryn Mawr.

After the passing of her Bud, and with her children mostly grown, Jane went to work at St. Leonard's Academy as part of the library staff.

A devoted Catholic, Jane participated wherever she went.  As a member of St. John Vianney parish, she sang in their choir at the 12:15 mass for many years. Upon moving to Millridge, she became very involved with the St. John Neumann parish through the altar guild and the interfaith hospitality network.  Monsignor Meehan quickly learned that if he needed a volunteer, that he could turn to Jane.

Service was a way of life for Jane.  Her parish was just the beginning.  For many years, she was the treasurer for the Sacred Heart Home for Incurable Cancer in Philadelphia.  Before the days of the internet and email, this entailed preparing and sending out letters to appeal for donations for the Home and handling the donations as they were received.  Jane also delivered Meals on Wheels for several years, often with her dear friend and cousin Pidge.  While her children attended Holy Child Academy in Rosemont, Jane volunteered in the library.

Jane had many interests including gardening, tennis, the daily crossword puzzle, local architecture and history, bridge, and being with family and friends.  She was a very enthusiastic sports fan.  Some might even say a bit overly enthusiastic.  Jane could holler with the best of them while watching an intense game.

Having amassed many wonderful friends over her lifetime, there are two, Pidge and Lambie, that need to be mentioned, as they were so much an integral part of the fabric of Jane's life.  Starting as childhood friends, Jane remained very close to Pidge and Lambie throughout adulthood, and perhaps beyond.  We are sure that their friendship has continued onto Heaven, where they are chatting up a storm at this very minute.  Who could have guessed, looking at these girls in first grade, that they would grow up sharing holidays with their husbands and kids, some wonderful vacations, and many, many lunch dates.  Whether it was Christmas Eve with the McClatchy's or the Memorial Day Barbeque with the Leahy's – these are memories that will last a lifetime.

Jane grew up spending time at the Simpson family home in Ventnor.  As an adult, she continued her treks down to the shore with her husband and children in tow.  She greatly valued bringing her family together and, with her sister Yvonne, they hosted some awesome gatherings.  The weeks spent with the Leahy's and Murphy's at Deep Creek Lake will be long remembered for the laughter.  And the lake.  Jane loved her lakes.  When Jane and Yvonne, saw the cousins all together enjoying themselves, it took them to their happy place.

In the past few years, Jane faced major adversity with her illness, and she did it with her usual grace and strength.  She was a role model to us all.  Jane, Mom, Aunt Jane, Mrs. Leahy – you will be missed more than words can ever express.

Jane was the beloved wife of the late Hugh (Bud) D. Leahy.  Devoted mother of Jane L. Stockhausen (Paul), Hugh (Kathleen), Daniel (Joan), Thomas (Mary Frances) and Anne (Faith).  Dear sister of the late Yvonne Murphy and William Simpson. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Yvonne, Meghan, Henry, Joyce, Hugh, Christine, Karen, David, Catie and Patrick, and 14 great-grandchildren: Jay, Elyssa, Sophia, Bryan, Henry, Bodie, Cooper, Louise, Jane, Gigi, Gavin, Rada, Grace, and Ferran.  She was so very proud of her family.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday January 22, 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Ln., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.  Relatives and friends may call at the Church after 9 AM.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. John Neumann Church or to Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr , 480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.