Monica (Simpson) Tom Orr

Obituary for Monica Orr (Simpson)

Monica Orr (Simpson), 83, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with blood cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia.

She was born on April 30, 1935, in Redrock, Montana, to Henry and Evelyn Simpson. Monica was the older sister of Tom and also had an older brother, John. Her early life in Montana instilled in her a love of family, community, and the beauty of the outdoors.

Monica married Tom Orr on January 21, 1956. The couple spent the first two years of their marriage in Dillon, Montana, before moving to Pocatello, Idaho, and finally settling in Portland, Oregon. Monica and Tom shared 62 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Monica dedicated her career to healthcare, working as a medical assistant and X-ray technician. She loved helping others and took great pride in her work. Beyond her career, Monica’s passions were many. She enjoyed traveling extensively with Tom, visiting Canada, Mexico, Europe, India, Costa Rica, and spending ten winters in Yuma, Arizona. She loved shopping, dining out, gardening, cooking, dancing, fishing, crafts, and was an avid reader. Monica had a fun-loving spirit, a great sense of humor, and a heart full of kindness. She will be remembered for her loving nature and her joy in bringing happiness to others.

Monica is survived by her children, Roger (Janet), Marilyn, Bill, and Marlene (Dean); six grandchildren, Launa (Mike), Jennifer (Tim), Nolan, Abbie (Andrew), Lauren, and Eric; and three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Gabrielle, and Ian. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, and friend whose warmth and laughter enriched the lives of everyone who knew her.

A burial of Monica’s and Tom’s ashes will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, at Mountain View Cemetery, 934 Sweetwater Road, Dillon, Montana 59725. A pastor will be present to say a few words. Family and friends are warmly welcome to attend.

Obituary for Tom Orr

Tom Orr, 90, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025.

He was born on July 8, 1934, in Dillon, Montana, to Alice and Edward Orr. Tom was an identical twin to William and the younger brother of Jim. His early years in Dillon were marked by both joy and hardship. At the age of 11, he faced the profound loss of his father, who died while serving in World War II. Just a few years later, Tom endured the heartbreaking loss of his twin brother William in a hunting accident at the age of 20. These tragedies shaped Tom's resilience and deepened his appreciation for family, faith, and the simple blessings of life.

Tom dedicated many years working on the family ranch in Dillon, known as the Matador. On January 21, 1956, he married his first love, Monica Simpson. Two years later, they moved to Pocatello, Idaho, before settling in Portland, Oregon, in 1959. There, Tom built a long and respected career as a refrigeration mechanic, serving proudly as a member of the Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters for 65 years. Tom and Monica shared 62 beautiful years together until her passing in 2018. Three years later, he met Janet Wolff, with whom he spent the remainder of his life in love and happiness.

Tom lived life with an adventurous and playful spirit. He enjoyed crabbing, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, camping, riding dune buggies at the Oregon Coast, bowling, and golfing. He was an enthusiastic player of bocce ball, shuffleboard, and bean bag baseball, and he was known to be quite the pool shark. He loved trips to casinos, where poker and blackjack were his favorite games. His travels took him across Canada, Mexico, Europe, India, Costa Rica, and for ten winters to Yuma, Arizona. A gifted gardener, Tom especially took pride in growing big, delicious tomatoes.

Those who knew Tom will remember his sense of humor, his gentle soul, and his special smile. Despite health challenges including heart disease and a stroke, he met life with courage and grace.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Janet Wolff; his four children, Roger (Janet), Marilyn, Bill, and Marlene (Dean); six grandchildren, Launa (Mike), Jennifer (Tim), Nolan, Abbie (Andrew), Lauren, and Eric; and three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Gabrielle, and Ian. He will be remembered always as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love and strength touched countless lives.

A burial of Tom's and Monica's ashes will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, at Mountain View Cemetery, 934 Sweetwater Road, Dillon, Montana 59725. A pastor will be present to say a few words. Friends of Tom and Monica are warmly welcome to attend.