Ms. Chera Simpson

“Renown Local Hero”

WATERBURY - On Monday evening, November 20, 2023, at 8:40 p.m., Waterbury lost one of its local heroes. A hero is defined as, “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities” Chera Simpson was without a doubt a “hero”. She passed away at the Vitas Inpatient Unit of St Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by her closest of friends after a courageous and valiant battle against an aggressive cancer. She lived her life purely and simply for the sake of others. For those of us that she touched in so many ways, we pray that the good she did for so very many, now allows her the rewards of her labor in the arms of the Lord.

Chera was born on May 26, 1959, in Waterbury, the daughter of the late George and Margaret (Iris) Simpson. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. She then went on to be certified as a Paralegal and worked for many local attorneys. During her work there, she was touched by the many people who needed help and assistance and she ultimately became a resource to many. She became so committed to the ministry of assisting others, she became a full-time volunteer advocate to the needy, infirmed, disabled, and less fortunate. She created a rolodex of resources that she could call upon to get anyone anything they might need. She literally helped thousands of those in need and when Chera reached out for a favor, you had better react quickly. She was a member of the Wednesday Warriors and was honored by so many organizations it would be difficult to mention them all. Just a few weeks ago, she received an award from the Waterbury Neighborhood Association. Her finest work, however, was saved for the Childrens Community School in Waterbury. Over the past year she has been involved with creating a Music program, music room, and orchestrated the donation of hundreds of instruments to the school, as well as many thousands of dollars. This was her “final hurrah” and she wanted it to be the very best. Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23). Your work here is over, we’ll take it from here. She will be sadly missed by all those who were blessed to know and love her.

Left to cherish her memory and honor her legacy are many close, personal friends who have been loyal to her for many years. Chera expressly wishes to thank Irene Blanchard, Robin Cracco, Gloria Demarest, and her faithful aide during her final days, Kacey Smallhorne, for the love and care they shared with her over these many years.

Relatives and friends may visit on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury, CT 06705. A prayer service will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. A private Celebration of Life will be held, after which, Chera will be interred in Calvary Cemetery. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.