Long time Bainbridge Island resident, Jean Campbell, passed away at home on August 11, 2021, one month shy of her 89th birthday. She was the daughter of Mildred and Grant Gibson and younger sister to John (RD). Home was Sultan, WA. In 1954 Jean graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in education and thereafter taught at View Ridge Elementary School in Seattle.
In 1960, after husband Craig’s discharge from the Marine Corps, Jean and Craig and their three young sons, Dave, Chris and Jay moved to a rustic family-owned log cabin at Agate Pass. This was intended to be a temporary residence until they could locate to Seattle. However, Jean, a small town girl at heart, was soon captivated by Bainbridge and the temporary residence became permanent. In 1968, they built a new home which reflected Jean’s concept of northwest architecture: lots of cedar, husky beams and vaulted ceilings. Although the log cabin came down, Jean salvaged the front door, light fixtures and windows which she incorporated into the new home. The cabin footprint became a pickleball court. And before long the clan grew to seven with the addition of daughter Cathy and son Andy.
Jean devoted her time to family. On reflection, Craig, the kids and Jean too, often wondered, “How did she do it,” but she did it with love, humor and grace. She was also a proud cheerleader and probably never missed the boys’ basketball games or daughter Cathy’s gymnastics events. Summers included Fourth of July family reunions on the beach and boat/camping trips north to the warm waters of Desolation Sound and Princess Louisa Inlet.
As the kids graduated from high school, Jean more fully enjoyed other interests. She regularly attended plays at the Seattle Rep, Seattle Symphony Pops Concerts and UW football and basketball games. She looked forward to playing tennis with friends at the Bainbridge Racquet Club. She enjoyed her PEO friends. As the Campbell kids spread out she visited them in Asia, Brazil, London, Arizona and New York. There were other trips too, including to Paris and Rome and Amsterdam as well as a cruise on the Danube River. In 1996/7 Craig and Jean acquired a boat in Annapolis Maryland and travelled down the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida and then to the Bahamas and the Gulf Coast. The boat was eventually shipped home and became the means of transportation to and from Husky football games. Jean also enjoyed decorating and overnight stays at a small condo on Capitol Hill. She especially enjoyed early morning lattes and pastries from a nearby Starbucks.
Jean was the heart and soul of the Campbell Clan which gradually expanded to include twelve grandchildren who knew her as “Grammy.” She cherished her time with each and they cherished their time with her. She was predeceased by her parents and brother and Muffet her beloved Scottish terrier. She is survived by Craig, sons Dave (Elaine Ervin), Chris (Lygia), Jay (Sheri), Andrew (Patricia) and daughter Cathy (Dave Thomas) and grandchildren Tyler, Ellen, Spencer, Zoe, Megan, Drew, Matthew, Grant, Ryan, Kai, Jade and Tom.
Jean’s family and friends will forever miss her graciousness, good humor and love. At her request there will not be a public service. The family will gather to commemorate and celebrate her life.
