Texte intégral
Eleanor Gladys Campbell (nee Simpson) With family by her side, Eleanor peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of Monday April 1, 2002. Protective, strong and generous, she knew the end was near, so bravely accepted her demise with dignity and grace. While relaying the news of the little time she had left, she held and comforted us - while we cried. Officially known as Eleanor Gladys Campbell, her family fondly referred to her as Honeysuckle, Mom, Mamma, Nanny, Aunt Eleanor, Eleanor Dear and friend. Eleanor was born in a small house just off Duff Road in Inverary to Isaac and Gladys Simpson. She attended Inverary Public School and Sydenham High School from where she graduated at the young age of 15. The following fall, she married her sweetheart and life partner Milton Campbell. They settled in Inverary to raise their seven children. While the children were still young Eleanor took a position as switchboard operator at what was then called Community Telephone Company. Her first job away from the village was University Pontiac, and from there she went on to work at the Kingston Whig-Standard. She left the Whig for a few years to follow a dream. She loved to take pictures. A management position at a Kingston photography/camera store offered her the opportunity to gain experience in that field. She was very talented, creative, and had a wonderful eye for detail. As testament to that, many of the families that grew up in the Inverary area in the 70’s and 80’s proudly display family and/or wedding portraits that were taken by Eleanor. After the photography store changed hands, she went back to the Whig-Standard where she stayed until she retired in 1995. From the time Eleanor was a young mother through to her retirement years she was very generous of the time she gave to others. Family and friends were always welcome. "Throw another potato in the pot and set another place at the table" was often heard at dinner time. Eleanor had a way about her that made everyone feel welcome in her home. During the early 70’s she enjoyed helping to organize the Storrington Fair. She loved family camping trips. As the children were growing up they often spent weekends at her fathers’ hunt camp. Even after retirement Milton and Eleanor would load up the four wheeler and head off to the north country to enjoy some outdoor time. Summer touring or ice fishing in the dead of winter, they enjoyed their time together. Eleanor was a hockey fan. She and Milton were dedicated Kingston Frontenacs season ticket holders. They billeted a player up to the point that Eleanor was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to take care of everything while she was feeling so ill. While hospitalized, she listened to the games on the radio. She thought of her billets, Shane and Anthony, as part of the family. She and Milton were proud of "the boys" and rarely missed a game. They enjoyed many trips on the fan bus. She was the beloved wife and life partner for 53 years to Milton Campbell. Cherished mother of Jack (Barb), Terry (Judy), Gail (Michael) Ernst, Cheryl (Sam) Rende, Stewart (Lori), Kim (Jim) Popovich and Carl. Loving ’Nanny’ of Stacey (Mike Dowling) and Jessica Campbell; Chris (Theresa) Campbell; John Thomas and Christopher Ernst; Michael and Amanda Rende; Stewart and Zachary Campbell; Isaac, Emily, Benjamin DeRoche and Jordan Popovich. Dear niece of Norva Cumpson, sister of Melville (Eileen) Simpson, and sister-in-law of Bill O’Neil, Bev and Don Davis and Willa Campbell. Also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Ethel O’Neil, brothers-in-law Rodney and Courtney Campbell, nephew Scott Campbell and uncle Elwood Cumpson. The funeral was held at Inverary United Church with Reverend Bill Whiston officiating. A compilation of Eleanor’s grandchildrens’ memories made a tribute that would make anyone proud to be her friend. Nephew Kevin Simpson delivered the message in style culminating in a wonderful song written just for Eleanor. (Yes, we have to believe she is saying to her sister. "Ethel, do you believe this place!"). Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art were sung - they were Eleanor’s favourites. The pallbearers were nephews, Allan and Darrell O’Neil, Rick and Chris Simpson, Brock Campbell, and D’Arcy Garrett. Interment took place in Glenhaven Memorial Gardens. 051486 9/21/2002- ID864092 - Kingston Whig Standard