PAT (LAURA) CAMPBELL

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PAT (LAURA) CAMPBELL

On December 9, 2022, peacefully at the age of 97, Pat (Laura) passed away.
She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Sandy Campbell in 2007.
She leaves her children, Peter, Craig (Diane Brueton), Alison (Alan Scramstad), Lawrence (Fe Williamson); and grandchildren, Matt (Cindy and children, Olivia, Emma, Charlie), Lauren (Kevin and children, Mae, Hayden), Kelsey (Chris), Luke, Carly (Nick), Leah (Dane and children, Remy, Cole), Rachel, Alex, and Lara.
Pat was born the fourth in her family and although baptized Laura, was immediately nicknamed "Patty, the next best thing", a nickname she kept for the rest of her life. She grew up happily on Spruce Street with her siblings, Rita, Betty, and Ken, graduating from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate along with Mary Kelekis, with whom she would become lifelong friends. When she was told she couldn't afford to go into nursing, she went to business school first and then paid her own way to nursing school. It was her true calling. She graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital and stayed connected to her fellow grads for the rest of her life.
In 1952, Pat met Sandy and they were married in 1953. To him, she was unequivocally "the best thing" and they were happily married for 54 years. They headed north to Flin Flon where Sandy practiced medicine for a year and they had their first son, Peter. They then moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for Sandy to continue his studies and returned to Winnipeg after a year where they welcomed Craig, followed by Alison, and completing the family with Lawrence. Pat and Sandy raised their family at 150 Riverbend across the street from Pat's parents. The kids grew up attending music lessons, playing at Bourkevale Community Club and sharing Sunday dinners - a family tradition that endures to this day, in various forms.
After 20 years out of the workforce, Pat completed her nursing refresher course and moved to Bella Bella, BC where she and Sandy worked and lived for two years. They returned to Winnipeg and she began working part time with the VON - a job she loved, with colleagues she appreciated so much. During this time, she and Sandy travelled the world - their trips were incredible, including Japan, Nairobi, Madagascar and Papua New Guinea to name a few. She spent summers at Fox Lake - starting each morning with a swim, cooking amazing dinners on the wood stove, paddling the canoe and singing at the piano. She was a big supporter of Camp Stephens, ensuring each grandchild had the opportunity to attend. She could do a three minute plank well into her late 80s due to her steady workouts with Donna at Sargent Park. She entertained beautifully and made everyone feel welcome.
Gran was our cheerleader and biggest fan - celebrating all the graduations, birthdays, weddings, births and every other event worth celebrating. She was generous with her praise and with her laughter and she had high expectations for us all. She was always ready with a blueberry muffin, a bowl of soup or a thoughtful note in a beautiful card, when needed. We are so grateful to have had her showing us all how to live a full life no matter the activity.
We are very appreciative of the friends who supported her at Colorado Estates and Wendy and the staff who were so kind to her at Golden West Personal Care Home. She will be greatly missed but her spirit will be with us all.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. In remembrance, donations may be made to the Dr. Sandy and Pat Campbell Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, Fort Whyte Centre or any charity of your choice.

For those who wish to read this obituary and sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2022