Jennie M. Campbell Obituary (1918 - 2007)

Waterville Jennie M. Stevens Campbell, 89 passed away peacefully early Sunday morning Oct. 21, 2007 in her home with family by her side. She fought a brave two year battle against cancer. She was born in Waterville, Apr. 20, 1918, the oldest child of Charles and Madaline Abdu Stevens. She attended school in Waterville although withdrew in her early teens to care for her ailing mother and to help raise her siblings. She embraced life with great courage and strength. She was a deeply loving and caring person to everyone and despite the fact that she was penniless, in many ways she was like a Mother Theresa. She never complained and her thoughts were always of others. She enjoyed company and conversation and was a most gracious hostess. She was blessed with many faithful friends and was known to many as ''Aunt Jennie''. One of her most favorite pastimes was family cookouts and gatherings and we could always count on Aunt Jennie's kibbe. Jennie's passion in life was to dance! She danced with her feet and her heart the jitterbug, the polka and her favorite, Chubby Checker's the ''Twist''. At age 89 despite her illness she danced for the last time with remarkable physical energy and grace. Jennie worked as a housekeeper for most of her life cleaning for others. She was employed for many years by Mr. & Mrs. George Coleman whom she held in high regard for their compassion and kindheartedness that carried on long after her employment. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, James Campbell; and her brother, John ''Speed'' Stevens. She leaves her brother, Philip Stevens of Marrero, LA; sister, Marion White of Waterville; daughter, Janice Fogg of Waterville; son, James ''Joey'' Campbell of FL.; grandchildren, Pamela and Billie Joe Bonsall; and many special nieces and nephews. Jennie will be sorely missed by her nephew, Michael who she impacted in very beautiful and meaningful ways. Thank you and may your soul rest in peace Aunt Jennie. The family wishes to thank HealthReach Home Care and Hospice nurses and volunteers for their remarkable support in helping Jennie depart this life with dignity and comfort. A special thank you to her guardian angels, Pat and Becky for their unconditional love and support. A service to honor Jennie will be held at 10 a.m. Fri., Oct. 26, 2007 at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church with Rev. Larry Jensen and Rev. Mr. Peter Joseph co-officiating. She will be laid to rest with committal prayers at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove St., in Waterville. There will be a gathering in the church hall after services. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville, ME 04901. Arrangements are with the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.