With much sadness, we announce that our beloved mother and grandma, B. Jean Campbell passed away on Friday, March 13 at the Betel Care Home. She was 88 years young. 
 
Jean was predeceased by her parents Moly & Jack, husband Ron, and her daughter Susan (Len) in 2020. Jean is survived by her children Jill and Philip; foster sons Butch (Ruth) and Gerald (Linda); grandchildren Jacqui (Paul) , Shayne, Lindsay, Ashley, Mike (Chrystal), Tegan, and Nolan (Michelle); her great grandchildren Ethan, Raechelle, Corrina, Bo, Kingsley, and Layla; and her special extended nursing family and friends at the Betel Care Home.

 

Jean was born in the Leeds North district of England to Molly (Campbell) & Jack Nolan. The family later moved to London where Jean married Ron in 1955. They lived in various parts of Britain until July 1967 when they moved their three children and assorted pets to Manitoba Canada. Once settled in Manitoba Jean undertook training at Red River College to become a library technician. A job she held and loved until she retired at 67 years old. 

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Jean loved the farm. The trees, animals, plants and long walks made her happy. It didn’t matter when you came to visit her what the weather was like, she always looked forward to a hike in the bush or walk along the road to see the orchids. Every year she would set up an Easter egg hunt. She enjoyed hiding eggs in nooks and crannies over 80 acres and watching everyone hunt for them. Family, friends and neighbours came every year and enjoyed the hunt. 

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Jean was short and feisty. She took pride in being a “ginger” (aka hothead!). Those who knew her will be familiar with that middle finger -especially when you wanted to take her picture. Jean and Susan lived on the farm together and spent many cups of tea bantering back and forth laughing and arguing. She loved Susan very much and worried about her when she was not around. We believe we lost them both so soon after each other because Susan needed Jean more than us. We are sure Susan met her with a hot cup of tea and a “what took ya’ so long?!” Jean would probably answer “what the hell are you doing here?”

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Although Jean was tough but she was also very kind. She advocated for those less fortunate and for what she believed in. No one was ever alone for Christmas. If she got wind of someone alone, they would end up at the family dinner table. Somehow, she always managed to sneak a few gifts under the tree for them too. 

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She was a union negotiator who fought hard for worker wages and rights. This work once led to an invitation to join the All-China Woman’s Federation on an expedition to China to examine the social status of women in China and their role in business, education and politics. Although she was not able to go she was pleased to have been invited. 

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Jean was a firm believer of the goodness of the human spirit. She felt that everyone deserved a second chance —or many many chances if needed. She never gave up on “her kids”. Jean demonstrated that genuine concern, love and support could turn a life around. This conviction led her to foster several boys when others would not take them. She was very proud of what they accomplished in life -especially Butch and Gerald. 

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Mom/ Gra every Friday 13 you will be the first person we think of when we wake up. We will always carry your memory -and that middle finger— in our hearts! We love you and will miss you. 

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Friends and relatives are encouraged to share memories, stories, and/or condolences for the family by using the comment section on this page.

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In Accordance with Jeans wishes no formal service will be held. A private lunch will be held at a later date so that family and close friends can “share memories, enjoy a meal, have stiff drink, toast me off, and then get back to the business of bloody well living”.