HALIFAX – Esther Mae Illsley Simpson, 91, died peacefully at Bradford House, Halifax, on February 4th, 2008. Much loved by her family and friends, she always had a twinkle in her eye and a helping hand for others. Esther was born at Fairview Farm in Somerset, Kings County on 11 January 1917, the daughter of Fred and Laura Illsley. She attended Provincial Normal College and graduated Acadia University with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics in 1941. In 1943 she married Raymond Simpson, and lived in Halifax where she taught home economics for many years in various schools. She was a member of the United Church Women at St Andrew's Church in Halifax and was an active and ardent supporter of the church. She celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband, family and friends in Merigomish, NS in 1993. She is survived by her son, David, of Potomac, Maryland and his wife Patricia; daughter, Joan and her husband Sandy of Halifax; son, Eric and wife Ann of Nottingham, England; sister, Freda of Kingston, Ontario; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond; and brother, Charles. Funeral service at St Andrew’s United Church, Halifax, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb 9th. Visitation at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, PO Box 456, Halifax NS B3J 2R5.