Kathryn Anne Campbell passed away on Feb. 14, 2022. She is survived by her husband John David Campbell (Com'75).
Kathryn and John met during Frosh Week in the fall of 1971 and were married in Theological Hall by Padre Laverty on May 11, 1974. Their time at Queen's remained a beloved touchstone throughout their 50 years together. One infamous story recalled how Kathryn used oil paints to write “No John David” on the steps of Victoria Hall during a lonely weekend in first year — the university had to sandblast the steps to remove her handiwork! This was but one of the many tales from Queen's told to their children Alexandra Edie (Artsci'06), Genevieve Couper (Comp'08), and Suzanne Gouthro.
Kathryn practised as a chartered accountant for many years in the Toronto, Peterborough, and Ottawa regions. She rose to the position of CFO of the City of Kanata and the City of Gloucester before returning to Queen's to complete her Bachelor of Education.
Kathryn then went on to have a fulfilling second career teaching high school to developmentally-delayed teenagers in Peterborough. She was born at home on a cold Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day in 1952 to Pat and Hope Birnie of New Liskeard. As a Valentine's Day baby, the occasion was always special for Kathryn.
She died at home in Ennismore, Ont., on Valentine’s Day, surrounded by family and many dozens of flowers, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
The family are grateful that they were able to toast her 70th birthday together and help her through the final hours of her life by sharing stories, music, laughter, and tears – many of which included Queen's memories and connections. She will be dearly missed by John, her daughters, grandchildren, extended family, and many, many friends.