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Karen Campbell died on Monday, November 7, 2022 after a short illness, at Maison Albert Hospice in Moncton. She was 81.
She is survived by her four children, Andrew (Beth), Stewart (Leslie), Gordon (Marlene), and Lawren (Lynne), and eight grandchildren, Brett, Mackenzie, Curran, Benson, Lachlan, Chloe, Rowan and Ellie. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Clarke-Porter (Jack), brother Wayne Clarke (Betty) and two nephews, Jamie and Chad Clarke. Also survived by sister-in-law Anna (Campbell) Eddy and many nieces and nephews.
Born Karen Marie Clarke in Sydney, Cape Breton in 1941, Karen was predeceased by her husband Steve Campbell, and parents Archie and Jennie Clarke. She was also predeceased by her parents-in-law Murdoch and Catherine Campbell, and brothers-in-law Tony, Rod, David and John Campbell.
In 1963 she married Stephen Coady Campbell from New Waterford, Cape Breton. They remained happily married until his death in 2021.
After leaving Sydney, she took a diploma in Education from St. Francis Xavier University. Over the next two decades, while raising four children, she took a BA, a BEd, and an MEd from Université de Moncton. Once the boys were grown, she taught in the English Department at Université de Moncton until1996, at which time she retired.
Throughout her life in Moncton and Barachois, Karen contributed to the community through her volunteer work as a member of the Forest Glen Home and School Association, the St. Michael’s Ladies Society, the Moncton East Liberal Association, and more recently, The Stephen Lewis Foundation. In the mid-1970s, she and other parents lobbied (successfully) to have French Immersion offered in the Anglophone schools in Moncton.
Some years after she retired, Karen joined the local PROBUS club. She served her local clubs in various capacities for many years, then became president of the PROBUS club in Shediac.
An avid but selective reader, she kept abreast of current Canadian fiction, particularly if the author was a woman, and looked forward to her monthly Book Club meetings (she always had the book read).
Karen was unerringly courteous, maintaining that no situation necessitated incivility. She spoke her mind, however, and her strong moral compass was readily apparent in every conversation.
She loved occasions of all sorts, especially if she hosted: family dinners, parties, anniversary and birthday celebrations, and fundraisers. She would throw you a surprise party, even though you asked her not to, and it always turned out to be a lovely time, because you would get to have cake and pie. Her “Brain Cake”, lemon meringue pie, pecan pie and almond cookies, just to name a few, were legendary. She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed dearly.
Visitations and the funeral will be delayed until late December.
Visitations will be held at Chartersville Funeral Home, 363 Amirault Street, Dieppe on Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 1-3 pm. At 3pm a funeral service will be held in the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to hospicenb.ca, or the charity of one’s choice.
The family invites you to sign the book of condolences at:
www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca.
Funeral arrangements under the professional care of
Passage Funeral Co-operative and Cremation Centre
625 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB E1C 2P1
(506) 855-1145
My deepest sympathy to all. Karen was a good friend for many years, especially at St. Michael’s church. Karen was a very gentle and kind lady.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sending deepest condolences to Lawren, Andrew & the entire Campbell clan @ this very sad time. Ann & Mike G.
So sorry for the loss of your Mother Karen. I have fond memories of your parents of joining them at McDonald’s for the walkers and talkers group.
Lawren, Lynne and family,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like she was a wonderful (and busy!) woman – always having her bookclub reading finished! That’s impressive! I’m curious about her “Brain cake”. I hope your many happy memories and the sympathy of friends and family near and far bring you some comfort as you mourn her loss.
With deepest condolences,
Shannon and Alastair
May the thought that they are reunited be a comfort to you all. Deepest condolences to you and your family, Lawren.
Andrew, Stewart, Gordon, Lawren and families, I love you so much and I have you all in My Heart. Janet and Wayne, I join you and the Boys in your sorrow. We all loved Karen so much. We were all so Blessed to have had her in our lives. May she Rest In Peace. Aunt Anna🕊🌹
So sad to hear this news….such a caring and dedicated lady, who was always interested in your point of view, We miss her friendship….Sonja & Art Buck
My sincere condolences to all the family.Steve and Karen were not only our favourite cousins but also our friends. Their home was always open to visitors from a Cape Breton and their hospitality always made you feel welcome and so special. I know she is now with the Love 💕 of her life and they both will be forever in the hearts of those they both loved and those who loved them both throughout their lives. God’s love and blessing to all.
My most sincere sympathy in your loss of one so very special. Your Mom had a wonderful smile and never missed an opportunity to stop and say hello. I often saw her at mass at Lady of Mercy and would say ‘hi Mrs. Campbell’ and she would quickly correct me and say call me Karen. I grew up on Elmwood Drive and we were taught to say Mrs. Campbell. May all your wonderful memories of happy times you shared together be a great comfort in the coming days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry to read of this. She and Steve were omnipresent in Moncton East politics and she was always kind and generous. Condolences to the family.
Andrew, Stewart,Gordon and Lawren so sorry for the loss of you mum. Karen was a the most lovely and caring person. I know she will be missed.
Deepest condolences Andrew, Stewart, Gordon, Lawren and families. So many fond memories of her and your Dad in Shediac. She emanated grace and class, she will be missed. ❤️
Andrew, Stewart, Gordon Lawren & families we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. your dad and my husband Beaton were 1st cousins.
We enjoyed so many visits at your parents home, we were always made to feel so welcome. Our sincere condolences to all of your family. Sending our love and prayers to everyone. Sharon McCormack & family.
We send our love and sympathy to all Karen’s family…we spent so many happy times in Shediac with her and Steve. although we are thousands of miles away on Vancouver Island we are truly thinking about you….from Mary and Michael Prangnell. Hi thank
My heartfelt sympathy to all you boys and your family. I cannot put words to the loss of your mother! She was caring and funny and always welcoming. Will miss her and your Dad immensely. May she rest in peace !
Janet, Wayne and Karen’s Families,
I was saddened to read of Karen’s passing. She was my Grade 7 teacher at Don Bosco Jr. High School in her first year in the profession. She was a terrific teacher and a wonderful person who fostered amazing connections with the young people she mentored. On the rare occasions that our paths crossed over the years, we always shared a memory and a laugh about those early years. She will be missed.
Janet, Wayne and families,
We are very sorry for your loss. I grew up on Manse Street in the Pier and remember the Clarke’s.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Sending love to Andrew, Beth, and Chloe. Sorry to hear of this loss. You are in my thoughts on this dark day.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Karen’s family at this sad time.
God bless.
Kathy and Dan Stote
Boys, my heart is broken for you. I was blessed to have a friend as wonderful as your mother since we were girls. I know how difficult it will be for you to let her go because I feel the same way. I know she is so happy to be with your father in heaven and they will Rest In Peace forever.
It’s so hard to find words that can express the sadness and loss we feel. Aunt Karen was such a treasure. She welcomed us, always with a smile and a hug, the hundreds of times we showed up. She was perfect in every way. Our deepest condolences to the four of you, your families, Janet and Wayne and their families. We loved her dearly💕
My deepest condolences to Karen’s sons and their families and to her sister Janet and brother Wayne and their families.My sister Jane and I were schoolmates of Karen at Holy Redeemer Convent in Whitney Pier.Many stories could be told of those days and I am sure Karen had a few to tell .I am certain that you as her family members will have lasting memories that will help you in the coming days and in the future.Prayers for you all!
Janet and Wayne
So sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. Karen was my grade 7 teacher at Don Bosco her first year teaching. Students always remember the teachers who were kind to their students. Karen was one of those teachers. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Margie (Peck)& Jim MacNeil
Our deepest condolences to the Campbell family
Sincere sympathy to the family.Karen was a good friend as far back asSt Michael’s Ladies Society and that’s a few years back ! May good memories bring you all comfort in this time.
Andrew, Stewart, Gordon, Lawren and families:
We are sorry for your (and our) loss of such a wonderful mom and aunt. Aunt Karen was such a shining example of a perfect lady and will be so missed. Our hearts are with you.
My Dear Cousins and you Families, my heart is sorrowful for the pain you are now feeling and will feel as you bring forth your memories with each other. Please find solace and healing in the love that your Parents were special people who cared deeply for those they called family. They were always open and welcoming to friends and role models in their community. I will miss your Mom’s lemon meringue, as it was the standard by which I still measure a good pie. Take care of yourselves and know you are being held by so many, love you all.
Wayne and Janet, my thoughts are with you too in this time of reflection,
Sincere sympathy to Karen’s family. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all those who knew her. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dear Andrew, Stewart, Gordon and Lawren: Where does one begin to express their deep condolences of Karen and Steve’s passing in such a short time? Your mom was a great neighbour. We often chatted across the road which eventually one of us would have to cross, as we couldn’t hear each other. Those chats were about the weather, the garden, a good read, Costco or what her children were doing. Karen was so proud of each one of you and her grandchildren. We reminisced about how the neighbourhood had changed, the politics, the weather and even a good book. Your mom was a remarkable woman. When you were invited in for a beverage, you knew you would be there for awhile. She made great little sandwiches! Such a delightful, spirited, gracious woman. Fondly remembered by all.
Dear Andrew, Stuart, Gordon and Lawren
Bob and I were so sorry to hear about your Mom. We had such happy times together over the years both in Canada and the US. She was so proud of all of you and your children. She will be sadly missed by both of us.
Love
Bob and Honey
Bob and I were so sorry to here about your Mom. We had such happy times with
I was sad to hear of Aunt Karen’s passing. She was an Angel on Earth, now an Angel in heaven. My condolences to the boys and their families. God Bless, Brian
Andrew, Stewart, Gordon, Lawren and families. So sad to hear of Aunt Karen’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you all.
Gary & Judy
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Lawren. The love and respect you had for your mom were evident when you spoke of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Kellie
My condolences to your family on your loss.
j.mellon@chebucto.ns.ca
My heartfelt condolences to your family
To Karen ‘S Family,
Having moved and changed address , I recently contacted St. FX alumni and requested the copies of the Alumni News that were missed. Almost a year after her death, I was shocked and saddened to see Karen’s name. I searched on line and found this obituary. I only wish I had known and sent this in a timely manner.
I was Karen’s roommate at St. FX , in our residence, Marion Hall. We stayed in touch over the years by Christmas cards and we were reunited with Karen and Steve at our 50th anniversary year at Homecoming in Antigonish. What a wonderful weekend with Karen and Steve.
I just want to say that both she and Steve were wonderful friends and left us with beautiful memories.
Remembering Karen and Steve ,
Fondly, Janet (Abbass) and John McCarthy