April 16, 1943 - June 1, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pamela Mavis Marie Campbell (nee Harbord Harbord) on June 1st, 2021 at Victoria General Hospital. Pam/Mom/Gammie lived her life devoted to her family, her friends and her community.
Pam was born in Duncan, BC on April 16, 1943, several minutes ahead of her twin brother Patrick. She graduated from St Anne's Academy and was proud to be a graduate of one of the first Practical Nursing Programs in BC. She worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Victoria until she later returned to live in Duncan.
In 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, John Campbell. Pam and John were life-long residents of the Cowichan Valley until relocating to Victoria after retiring and to be closer to their family.
Predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Anita (Noel) Harbord Harbord, her older brother Brian, twin brother Patrick and her beloved Aunt Pam and namesake - E. Pamela Noel.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend John Campbell, her daughter Michele (Bill), her sons James (Anna Maria), Justin (Michelle) and Russell (Leigh), her grandchildren Kaley, Thomas, Jacob, Jordan and Nathan, her younger brother Wayne Harbord Harbord (Pat), her sisters- and brothers-in law Ann Kyllo (Bernie), Merle Campbell, Norma Campbell (Glen), Robert Campbell and Shirley Campbell as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins across Western Canada, especially her cousin Lynda Daddona (John).
Pam was a community advocate and an avid volunteer. She was a Life Member of the Kinettes (Kin Canada), long-time board member and organizer of the Cowichan Music Festival and was involved with the Navy League of Canada Executive. Pam was a Cowichan School District Trustee for 18 years, including 6 as Board Chair and 3 as Vice Chair.
She was a tireless advocate for public education. Her proudest achievement was leading the construction of Frances Kelsey Secondary School in Mill Bay and having met Ms. Kelsey when she came to the grand opening.
During her retirement she volunteered weekly at Victoria General Hospital in the Pediatric Surgical Day Care Unit and spent countless hours sewing special items for the Neonatal Care Unit and the Pediatric Ward.
Pam was a fan of many sports especially the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions. She rarely missed an opportunity to watch her children's and grandchildren's many sports events over the years, even if those rinks were icey cold. She enjoyed music, jigsaw puzzles, and was a real card shark.
Pam knew EVERYBODY'S birthdays and anniversaries and she could talk your ear off if you let her! Any time you left her house, your arms would be filled with jars of Gammie Jam in multiple flavours.
She was a Seamstress Extraordinaire for family, friends and soon to be friends - far and wide. Many a high school graduate and bride celebrated their event wearing dresses and gowns beautifully crafted by Pam. New babies arriving to anyone she knew, were sure to receive her welcome bundle of "burpee cloths and baby flannels" to get them started. Sewing was her passion!
Pam was a Mom, a Caregiver and a Friend to all those that needed it. We are all better for having known and been loved by her! Pam loved her extended family and friends endlessly, and even though it feels impossibly hard to live without her, she will live on in our best memories and by us living the many values she instilled in each of us.
Pam faced many health challenges over the past 6 months. She frequently reminded us that she was a fighter not a quitter but alas, she also knew when enough was enough. We wish to thank the entire nursing team and physicians of the Neurosciences Unit at Victoria General Hospital, in particular RN's Kerri, Hannah and Rita as well Dr Hentschel and Dr Chrisci, who supported our family with kindness, grace and expertise as Mom faced her final challenges.
Lastly, we want to acknowledge the amazing support from the Peninsula Community Health Services Team whose various skills allowed Mom to come home between hospitalizations. We couldn't have done it without ALL of you!
A Celebration of Life will be planned for September 2021 in Duncan, BC when we are able to do so. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Hospital Foundation Pediatrics or a charity of your choice that supports children, youth or public education.
Condolences can be left for the family at https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/pamela-mavis-marie-campbell.