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Katherine Campbell Obituary
Kay was born on Oct. 11, 1934, in New London, to her parents, the late Margaret and Joseph Burke. She graduated from New London Business College and spent her life working hard in various administrative roles for The Day and Boats Inc. She also worked many years as bookkeeper for Santer Distributors before starting her own housekeeping business.
Kay's life revolved around her family, friends and animals. Her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren brought her a lifetime of pride and joy. Even through a long battle with cancer, she always kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Her love, care and genuine sweetness were felt by anyone who crossed her path. Kay was truly selfless in all things. She radiated strength and was most content when contributing to the happiness of others; that's what gave her life. She was also known to be the first to arrive at all of her grandchildren's sporting and school events.
Kay's hobbies included reading, gardening and yardwork. She loved spending time outdoors in the warm weather, and in the cold weather, she could be found curled up in her favorite chair with a good book and her cat, Floyd, on her lap. Kay also enjoyed traveling with her companion of 31 years, Vito Insinga. Together they explored places like Tahiti, Aruba, The Grand Canyon, Florida and the Bahamas.
Kay is survived by her two sons, John Campbell and his wife, Robin, and Jim Campbell; a daughter, Laurie Campbell; her five grandchildren, Tara, Lindsey, Jimmy, Brittany and Johnny; and two great-grandchildren, Ella Katherine and Mason Burke. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Marshall; a brother-in-law, Charles Marshall; and her companion of 31 years, Vito Insinga.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her infant brother, Philip Joseph.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the compassionate staff at Connecticut Hospice of Branford for the wonderful care they extended to Kay.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 1, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will held celebrated 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, at St. Joseph Church, Squire St., New London. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Baldrick's Foundation, https://www.stbaldircks.org/donate, an organization committed to childhood cancer research.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Campbell
Nancy & Jim Butler
November 1, 2015
Kay was a wonderful lady who always had a smile on her face.She will be missed. Our deep condolences to her family.
Bill & Iranthi Anastasiou
November 2, 2015
John and Robin,
Sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Mary Anne Alfieri
November 2, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Hank Liz Anderson
November 2, 2015
John Robin and family,
Sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
November 1, 2015
Our thoughts & love!
Jim and Pam King & Family
Kerry Sullivan
November 1, 2015
Laurie,John,Jimmy,Robin, Vito and family: a nicer lady will be rare to be found. Kay was not only a fantastic lady but a great, caring, thoughtful neighbor for 45 years. She will be truly missed as I still gaze over to see if the blind is up. She glowed when family members stopped by and loved her entire family so much. A piece of her runs through you all and her pride in each was unmeasureable. May you smile through your tears when you all remember special moments. Kay is at piece no more need to worry may peace come to you all soon.
I loved Kay and will miss her but smiled the other day watching the birds sing at her house.
Please know others have you all in their thoughts during this rough time.
C THOMAS
November 1, 2015
THINKING OF YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME,I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS,BUT GOD WILL GIVE YOU COMFORT.2 COR 1:2-4
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