She was always smiling, always happy and always positive. Long-time Fort Myers Beach resident Betty Simpson passed away last week at the age of 93. Simpson volunteered many hours of her life to the beach and in many ways. Here’s a short list of her decades of dedication to the island…
- Local Planning Agency – longest-serving member (1995 – 2005)
- FMB Chamber of Commerce, including one year as President
- FMB Fire Commissioner, 1993
- Chair of Friends of the FMB Public Library
- Member and Past Chair of Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board (CELCAB) and Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board (BORCAB)
- Member and Past Chair of FMB Pilot Club (now FMB Community Foundation), and Lt. Governor for the Southwest Florida District of Pilot Club; still serves on the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee
- Board member of both Friends of the Matanzas Pass Preserve and Estero Island Historic Society
- Docent and Board member of Friends of the Mound House
Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said “Betty Simpson’s passing leaves a void in the heart of Fort Myers Beach. Her dedication and love for our community were unmatched, and her countless volunteer efforts through committees, boards, and groups exemplified her true spirit of service. Betty’s commitment and inspiring leadership will forever be a cherished part of our town’s legacy. She will be deeply missed.”
Estero Island Historicval Sciety President Ellie Bunting: “Betty was a founding member of the Estero Island Historic Society, Ostego Bay Foundation, and Matanzas Pass Preserve, to name just a few of the nonprofits she championed. She was a hero to many of us working to keep these organizations thriving. Her deep knowledge of the island will be nearly impossible to replace. Betty taught us all that persistence and a positive attitude can make all the difference.”
The great Ellen Vaughan: “Betty Simpson is remembered as a wonderful human being and quite a trailblazer — a pilot no less! She was among the founding members of many of our community organizations: Estero Island Historic Society & saving Matanzas Pass, the Library, after the town acquired the property Betty was a member of the quasi Mound House board, a member of CELCAB and chairman of Bay Oaks Board.. I could go on….. Betty provided sage wisdom and did everything with a smile.”
Janet Gotleib from the Estero Island Historical Society: “Betty Simpson was a tireless civic champion who showed extraordinary dedication to Fort Myers Beach, where she lived the last 59 years of her life. Name a local agency, institution or nonprofit, and Betty served on or chaired its Board. In her hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, venturesome Betty became a commercial pilot and later was a Flight Instructor at Page Field, before becoming a Realtor. Generous, congenial and imbued with sparkling humor, Betty Simpson was a beloved icon whose light will forever shine in the memories of her many friends and admirers. Betty’s friends on the Estero Island Historic Society Board will miss her wise and convivial presence.”
Lee Melsek: “For as long as I can remember she was that island’s brightest light. No one I know ever negotiated life’s challenges better.”
Joy Sullivan: “Betty was a role model for us all. Dedicated and determined to do the right thing for FMB and, Bay Oaks, in particular, yet kind, helpful and friendly to us “relative” island newbies.”
Services for Simpson were announced by her family:
Viewing — Thursday, 9/11/25 from 4 pm – 6 pm at Shikany’s Funeral Home, 28300 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida.
Mass of Christian Burial — Friday, 9/12/25 at 2:30 pm at St. Leo Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, Florida.
Celebration of the Life — Friday, 9/12/25 at 4 pm at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church Hall, 5601 Williams Drive, Fort Myers Beach, Florida.