BLUE HILL and BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Lucy Barbara Picco-Simpson died March 1, 2006, at Calvary Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was born Sept. 11, 1940, in Cicero, Ill., to John and Mary Vignocchi-Picco of Cicero, Ill. Lucy graduated from Morton High School in 1958. She was a graduate of Park University in Parkville, Mo. in 1962, with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and later attended Weslyian College in Middle-town, Conn., where she earned a masters in teaching in 1964. She taught one year at Duxbury High School in Duxbury, Mass. She married Mr. Barry Simpson in 1965 and moved to New York City, where she lived for many years. She worked in publishing as a copy editor for Praeger and McGraw Hill Publishing Houses. She gave birth to one child, her daughter, Shelley Powell Simpson in 1968. Lucy became involved in the feminist movement in the 70’s and joined the National Organization for Women. She was an original member of the Text Book Committee, which fought against bias in text books. She founded the not-for-profit Organization for Equal Education of the Sexes, which published a journal for teachers that included posters and biographies of American women. In the late 80’s, she moved to East Blue Hill. Lucy was an avid folk singer and is featured on the CD, Sharon Mountain Harmony, a collection of gospel songs on the Folk Legacy Label. She was fond of her collections of gospel hymnals and folk songs. She was a member of the Pinewoods Folk Music Club of New York, the Blue Hill Food Coop, First Congregational Church of Blue Hill UCC and volunteered at the Bagaduce Music Lending Library. She was a painter, enjoyed stitchery, loved making quilts and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Lucy was predeceased by her brother, James Picco of Dwight, Ill. in 1999. She is survived by her devoted husband, Barry of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her daughter, Mrs. Shelley Lancet of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her sister, Mrs. Judy Tarullo of Berwyn, Ill.; and her marvelous granddaughter, Melissa Ann Lancet. On March 3, a wake was given for her at the Smith Funeral Home in Brooklyn, N.Y. A church service will be held 9 a.m. Monday, March 6, at the First Congregational Church, in Blue Hill UCC. Interment will be at Seaside Cemetery in Blue Hill. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 141 South St., Blue Hill.
LUCY BARBARA PICCO-SIMPSON
