Mourners have heard how a 43-year-old woman murdered in east Belfast was a “fearless warrior” who fought tirelessly for the underdogs.
The body of Rachel Simpson was discovered in a garage along the Castlereagh Road on Friday, September 13, after police had been called to the property.
Her 21-year-old son Nathan Simpson, with an address given as Castlereagh Road, has been charged with her murder.
Hundreds of people, many of whom were dressed in leopard print at the family’s request in honour of Ms Simpson’s favourite style, gathered at Orangefield Presbyterian Church today for a service of remembrance for the east Belfast woman.
Flowers left at Rachel Simpson murder scene on the Castlereagh Road (Pic: Pacemaker)
“Rachel was selfless, she had a true heart of gold,” said Cher Simpson, Rachel’s sister who spoke on behalf of the family, including her younger sister Erin.
“She always put others ahead of her and her kindness knew no limit no matter what her day or week was like — she wanted to know about you first.
“She was a much-cherished mother to three much-loved children and this love remains eternal.
“Rachel was a hard worker. She started two successful businesses by herself and was a beloved grandchild and aunt.
“She was a champion for the underdogs and always cared for those who needed it most. She would have fought an army for you, a fiercely loyal person and if she had your back you knew about it,” she added.
“Rachel loved her family more than anything humanly possible — she bought the best presents and her children were always her focus.
“She was fearless, she’d run into a burning house to save you — well she’d probably save your pet before you and was a great friend and it’s been lovely for us to hear the memories of her filled with laughter and love.”
Cher Simpson also said her sister loved dance music and Dolly Parton and prided herself on being the “most organised person”.
“Rachel was also known to work at a soup kitchen on Christmas Day and would never pass a homeless person without offering them food.
“She was a queen, she was brave and she was loved.”
Mourners, which included DUP leader Gavin Robinson, also applauded when Mrs Simpson’s emotional daughter Lucy gave a reading of Psalm 23 — ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ in the service.
The eulogy was given by Reverend Karen Hunter Kriwald, a close friend of the Simpson family, whom the mother-of-three lived with for a time in England.
“I have so many fond memories of babysitting Rachel on holidays, playing with her sisters in the sea,” she said.
“She returned the favour when she came to stay with me in London, where she helped with my children.
“Today I invite you to join me in knowing that Rachel’s Lord, her good shepherd and compassion, stood beside her and suffered with her, he then took her in his arms and carried her home with great joy.”
Mourners also heard about the love the east Belfast woman had for her three children — two daughters Lucy and Sophie and son Nathan, whose picture alongside his mother was the final photograph in the order of service.
Speaking ahead of her funeral, which was closed with a rendition of ‘Super Trouper’ by Abba, Ms Simpson’s mother, Jill, said her family are “incredibly grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and support from across the community”.
“The tragedy that befell our family was devastating,” she said. “In Rachel, we have lost a loving and devoted mother and daughter.
“However, given the circumstances, the loss is much wider and much more profound.
“There will be more to say in the time ahead, but as we lay Rachel to rest, we respectfully ask for privacy and space.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
A private cremation followed the service of thanksgiving at Roselawn Cemetery.
News Catch Up – Tuesday 24th September