Jean S. (Simpson) Sparling, 87, formerly of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Oceanside Nursing Home, in Hampton, New Hampshire. She was the wife of the late Arthur M. Sparling.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late David and Ethel (Gatie) Simpson, she had lived in Rochester for 25 years before moving to New Hampshire after her husband passed away. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and later was the bookkeeper for the family business, Sparling Brothers, Machine Shop.
She is survived by a daughter, Pamela J. Sparling and her husband Randy Jamison of Stratham, NH; two sons, Brent A. Sparling and his wife Teri of East Freetown and Scott D. Sparling and his wife Judy of Fort Myers, FL; three sisters, Ruth Ashworth of Hampton, NH, Hazel DeJesus of Fairhaven and Marge Haack of MN; two grandsons, Sean and Jonathan; a great grandson, Seth; four step grandchildren; seven step great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Sparling was the sister of the late Barbara West.
Calling hours are Thursday, from 4-7 PM, in the Donaghy Funeral Home, 465 County Street, New Bedford. Her funeral service will be in the funeral home, Friday, April 12, 2013, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford.