Residents of Mapleton Township are coping with the sudden passing of Jean Campbell, a well-loved historian and community volunteer.
Comments on social media describe Jean as a wealth of knowledge, an icon, community minded, a pillar in the community and family oriented. Many reflected on the sparkle she emitted or her ever-present smile. Amazing, wonderful, fabulous, admirable, lovely, remarkable, incredible and “the best” are words used repeatedly.
Whether new to the area or a longtime resident, you probably got to know Jean either by running into her at events or through her column in the Community News.
Jean’s son Sam was a classmate of mine at Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus in the late 1970s. Looking to upgrade her business skills, Jean returned to high school – the same high school her children attended. The rule they set out for Mom was, “Don’t talk to us in the halls.”
Life went on, contact was lost with Sam but the purchase of a house in Drayton led me to a friendship with Jean.
The bond grew stronger with my employment at the Community News. Jean became a regular in our office as she contributed weekly to the Mapleton Historical Society’s Musings column. When asked how long she had contributed to the column she smiled and said, “Only eight years.”
An email reminder about the Musings column was sent to Jean every Wednesday morning. The following Monday morning, the next Musings column appeared in my computer’s inbox.
On rare occasions Jean asked for a week off as there were family commitments that would occupy most of her time. Every couple of weeks Jean popped into the office to discuss upcoming columns. Our meetings probably lasted longer than they should have. The conversation ended each time with Jean saying, “I’ve talked enough, so now I’ll go.”
Writing the facts was a priority for Jean – something she credited to her employment with the municipality. Hesitant to write about sensitive issues out of concern for the current generation, she wrote creatively and accomplished the task.
Researching was Jean’s forte. She never stopped until all the pieces came together. She was not keen about writing, so I reminded her occasionally about the compliments the office received about her column.
A wealth of knowledge was an understatement where Jean was concerned. Information on historical dates, places, times and events where shared with others throughout her day. She spoke often of her childhood and the influence her parents had on her life.
The Saturday prior to Jean’s untimely passing, she was found helping members of Writers Unite in Drayton remove a display at the library. Up and down the stairs from the basement to the main floor she climbed with boxes and a ladder. Off to the grocery store she went, to pick up supplies for an event that evening, only to return and assist in setting up the next library display. Jean was always on the go with a busy schedule, living life to the fullest.
Jean, I admired you in the hallways of the Fergus high school and that admiration continued on in Mapleton Township. Thank you for being the person you were and for all the lives you touched.
Jean always said, “Don’t make a fuss.”
But let’s make a fuss by sharing our memories of Jean. Laugh, cry, remember and pray.
