Norma J. Campbell

CAMPBELL Norma J. (nee Spruce), of Wayne, died Monday, June 16, 2008 after a brief illness. Ms. Campbell was born in Ontario in 1952 to a harness racing family. She moved to New Jersey in 1976, after her father, noted Canadian trainer, Ernie Spruce, moved his stable to race at The Meadowlands. In 1977, Campbell joined the racetrack's administrative staff in group sales and special services. She served as an owner liaison, event coordinator and executive assistant through four NJSEA administrations and nearly 30 years, with a combination of efficiency, good taste and grace. Campbell was also the secretary for the Racing Industry Study Commission Task Force created by former Governor Christie Todd Whitman. For her service to harness racing, Campbell was the 2002 recipient of the Van Lennep Award from the Hambletonian Society. "Norma had a knack for making every big race special and major events spectacular," said Tom Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society. "Everything she did reflected well on our sport." Campbell had a passionate concern for all animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses.Campbell is predeceased by her father, Ernie. She is survived by her mother, Marion Spruce of Rexdale, Ontario, her sister, Kathryn Spruce Thomas, brother-in-law, Eddie and beloved niece, Karen Hillis (Fraser) and nephew, Jon (Sheri) Thomas and her former husband, Donald Campbell. There will be a celebration of her life on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at Il Villagio Restaurant, 650 Route 17 North, Carlstadt, from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, Campbell asked that donations be made in her name to: Friends of Wayne Animals, PO Box 3701,Wayne, NJ 07470. For those who would like to send a note to her family they can do so by mailing Marion Spruce, 16 Crowlands Drive, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, M9W 2S4. Arrangements entrusted to Moore's Home for Funerals, Wayne, NJ For more info visit: www.mooresinfo.com