Lenore Elizabeth Campbell

1939 - 2022

Niantic - Lenore Elizabeth Campbell, age 83, of Niantic, died Nov. 12, 2022, at Bayview Health Center, Waterford. Lenore was born Oct. 13, 1939, in Saint Louis, Mo., the daughter of William Lane Smith and Roberta Marie (Nivin) Smith of Elsah, Ill., on the banks of the Mississippi River where she loved growing up.

She attended Principia Upper School and Principia College in early years. She was trained in classical ballet and ran a ballet class for young students. She worked in St. Louis as a secretary/receptionist until 1961, when she married her husband Donald R. Campbell. They were blessed with two sons, and moved with them to Niantic in 1967, where they have lived for 55 years.

Lenore concentrated on raising her family and community and church volunteer service until her sons were older, then entered the Connecticut College Return to College Program where she graduated with a BA degree in child development and family social work. She worked as a social worker at Nutmeg Pavilion and Family Services in New London, and served on the board of directors of the East Lyme Visiting Nurse Association which became the VNA of Southeastern Connecticut. Lenore obtained her MS in counseling psychology and family studies from Southern Connecticut State College. She joined the staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospitals as a social worker, contributing to progress there in community services. She helped establish and led programs in rehabilitation, workmen's compensation/asbestosis, traumatic brain injury leading to helmet laws, and many new family services initiatives. Lenore retired from Lawrence + Memorial in the early 2000s, as the director of social work and case management. She was a fearless, tenacious advocate for her patients, their families and the hospital. For years after, people would approach her at any location and thank her for how much she had done for their loved ones and families.

Lenore taught Sunday school, served on many committees, and was president of Niantic Community Church. She was active with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scout Troop 66 in Niantic, and a supporter of the concert and marching bands of East Lyme schools. Lenore's interests were many, including reading, crafting, creation of intricate needlework and tending her beloved gardens and greenhouse. She loved her granddaughters and followed their school, sports and performance interests with joy.

Lenore was predeceased by her parents; and brother David Smith (Karen). She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Donald Campbell of Niantic; son Andrew Campbell; son Bruce Campbell (Barbara); granddaughters, Tabitha Campbell and Emma Campbell, all of Fairfax, Va.; her sister Valerie Tucker (Mark) of Hilo, Hawaii; and by multiple nieces and nephews in western states.

Burial will be private, and a Celebration of Life/memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children-Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104, the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Bloomfield Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002, or to the charity of one's choice.