JEAN KATHLEEN CAMPBELL

1932 – 2023

Jean Kathleen Campbell (née McColl), mother, grandmother, great grandmother, family matriarch and forever our “Artistin-Residence”, passed away with family by her side at Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario on May 19, 2023, in her 91st year.

Jean was born in Hamilton, Ontario into a family of educators, writers and artists. She moved frequently with her parents – Alastair ‘Mac’ and Kathleen ‘Kae’ (née Saxton) McColl – yet considered Kirkland Lake her hometown. In her youth she studied retail merchandising at Ryerson Institute for Technology, worked in HR, and sewed her own clothes. She was gregarious, generous, and fun, and made friends wherever she went. Everybody loved Jeannie. She could make you laugh, whip up an amazing meal, and play bridge like nobody’s business. She was also an avid tennis player and lifelong Wimbledon devotee. Jean was married twice; first to Gerry Hillis, with whom she raised her family in Toronto and Costa Rica, and then to Colin Campbell, her childhood sweetheart. Jean and Colin were a happy couple, living in Hamilton, Napanee, and Picton, sharing many interests and supporting each other’s pursuits: Jean in her art studio and Colin in his shop. Jean loved books and was a long-time member of the Long Reach Readers. For decades, she was an exhibiting artist and member of Gallery 121. Her paintings were bold, beautiful, full of colour and joy - much like Jean herself.

Jean will be dearly missed by her children, Jamie (Kathy Hillis), John (Liz Hillis), Su ( Michael Sheedy), Annie (John Sobol); grandchildren Allison ( Matthew Beatty), Scott, Grace, Maggie, Owen, Sydney, Graham, Louis and Sophie; great-grandchildren Patrick and Abigail; siblings, Bill (Fran McColl), Kae (Moe Moloughney), and Patricia McColl; dear nieces, nephews, and friends. Jean was pre-deceased by her brother, Don (Phyllis Clark); and by her beloved Colin in 2020. She will be remembered fondly by Colin’s brother, Ian (Anne Campbell); and by his children, Robin (Peter Jewett), Tamara ( Carlos Vidosa), Ian, and grandchildren.

Jean and Colin were long-time contributors to St Andrew’s Circle of Friends, in Picton, ON. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider making a donation to a community organization close to their hearts. A memorial service will be held on September 23, 2023, 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, 31 King St., Picton, ON. To reach family members, please email John Hillis at 6347bishop@gmail.com