Anna Grace Campbell

Anna Grace Campbell, lovingly known as "Ciccie", went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 91 years old, passing peacefully in Lady Lake, Florida. A woman of formidable intelligence, unwavering strength, and deep pride in her life's work and heritage, Ciccie lived with purpose, distinction, quiet faith in Jesus Christ, and steadfast devotion to those she loved. Born on October 8, 1934, to John Eskdale Campbell, a native of Scotland, and Anna Reichelt Campbell, Ciccie was raised in Newark, New Jersey alongside her beloved brother, John Reichelt Campbell (1933-2017). The two shared a close and enduring bond throughout their lives. When Ciccie was just eleven years old, her father passed away, and in the years that followed, her strong sense of respect, obedience, and self-discipline was shaped in no small part by the influence of her paternal Aunt, affectionately known as "Auntie Liz" (Elizabeth Campbell Meredith), whose guidance and values became a steady foundation for Ciccie during her formative years. From those early years and onward, Ciccie's independence, discipline, and sharp intellect were evident. Ciccie carried a lifelong pride in her Scottish heritage, which she regarded as a source of strength, identity, and resilience. In the 1950s, Ciccie's independence and adventurous spirit took her to the skies, when she flew for the Flying Tiger Line, after having attended the Grace Downs Airlines School in NYC. At a time when few women pursued such paths, this experience reflected her confidence, global outlook, and willingness to step beyond convention-qualities that would later define her overseas service and leadership in Korea and then Vietnam. Ciccie devoted her professional life to public service, leadership, and community enrichment. She served with distinction as a civilian with the United States Department of the Army, Special Services, Service Club Branch, including overseas service in Korea (November 1966 – February 1969) and Vietnam (March 1969 – June 1971) as an Area Director (GS-10/3). During her time in Vietnam, she proudly served in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Corps. Her service was later recognized with numerous honors, including the Civilian Medal for Service in Vietnam and commendations from the Department of the Army. Ciccie's legacy is also found in her quiet humanity. While overseas, she recorded weekly audio tapes describing people, places, and everyday moments, sending them home to her friend, whom she affectionately called "Duchess." Ciccie met Duchess while working as a telephone operator in the 1950's. Each tape began with the familiar words, "Hi Duchess. Today is…"-a ritual that reflected Ciccie's loyalty, thoughtfulness, and desire to spare loved one's unnecessary worry while preserving memory, connection, and love across great distances. Ciccie's intellectual rigor and lifelong commitment to learning were reflected in her academic achievements. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Seton Hall University in 1965 and later completed her Master of Arts degree in Public Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University in 1987, graduating summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Throughout her distinguished career-particularly with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs-Ciccie was known as a visionary administrator and meticulous problem-solver. In senior leadership roles, including Management Information Systems Specialist, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation, Management Specialist, and Recreation Administrator, she oversaw complex budgets, facilities, staff, and programs serving thousands. Her work modernized operations, expanded access to recreation, and generated significant public revenue, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she served. Equally defining was Ciccie's profound loyalty to her mother, Anna Reichelt Campbell (1902-1986). Ciccie devoted herself not only to her care but to enriching her daily life-taking her on cherished outings to watch "the ponies" race, ensuring she never missed a doctor's appointment, and attending to countless everyday needs with patience and attentiveness. This chapter of Ciccie's life reflected her deep compassion, steadfast responsibility, and the quiet, loving devotion that characterized all she did. Ciccie was also remarkable for the depth and longevity of her friendships. She remained closely connected to friends from her high school years, many of whom she both attended school with and worked alongside. These friendships endured well into adulthood, sustained by shared history, mutual respect, and unwavering loyalty. Ciccie remained devoted to each of these friends throughout her life, standing by them with the same constancy she gave to family, and unfortunately many have since passed away. In the late 1990s, Ciccie relocated from New Jersey to The Villages in Florida, where she embraced this new chapter of life with the same energy and commitment that had always defined her. She quickly became an active and engaged member of her village community, forming many close friendships and remaining dedicated to service. For many years, Ciccie served on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) within her village, generously giving her time and skills to help keep her neighbors safe and prepared. Among her circle of friends, she was a cherished member of a close-knit group affectionately known as "the Gutter Gang," a testament to the camaraderie, laughter, and lasting bonds she built in her community. Ciccie had no children of her own, yet her life was deeply enriched by family. Ciccie is survived by her beloved nieces, nephews and by what she lovingly regards as her treasured great nephews, great nieces, and great-grand nieces: • Nephew John Charles Campbell (Willnetta Ball). • Nephew Bruce Edmund Campbell (Patricia Sharo Campbell), great nephew Ryan Frederick Campbell, great niece Victoria Samuel (Susheel Samuel) great-grand niece Joanna Sophia Samuel, and great niece Shannon Osinski (James Osinski). • Niece Bonnie Marie Campbell, widow of Allen "Dean" Peterson (1960-2021), and great nephew Edmund "Grant" Peterson. • Niece Jennifer Ann Adlar (Stanley Adlar), great nephew Bruce Campbell Adlar, and great-grand niece Emelia Adlar. She followed each of their lives with pride, keen interest, and enduring love, celebrating their achievements and holding them close in her heart. Anna Grace Campbell "Ciccie" lived with strength of mind, clarity of purpose, quiet faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and a fierce sense of integrity. Her legacy of service, leadership, loyalty, quiet faith, and family devotion will endure in all who were fortunate enough to know her.