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Kathleen (Goodman) Campbell
Feb. 14, 1924 – Apr. 30, 2024
Although she was born in Winnipeg, Kathleen spent most of her early life in Saskatchewan, particularly at Sandy Lake, where her father, Ernest Goodman was a teacher, and her mother, Riema acted as nurse. Kay attended school in Battleford and Winnipeg, before graduating from the Winnipeg General as a Registered Nurse in 1946, and from the University of Toronto as a PHN (Public Health Nurse) in 1952.
She worked as a nurse across western Canada, from Vancouver to York Factory, mostly in the employ of Indian Health. It was in that capacity that she came to Kenora in 1952 to become the first permanent nurse for Indian Health here. She was the only nurse for all of the reserves in the area extending from Atikokan in the south and east to the Manitoba border north to just south of Red Lake. And it was in Kenora that she met her future husband, Robert Campbell.
From Kenora, Kathleen went on to continue her studies, earning her BScN at McGill. With that accomplishments under her belt, she moved to Prince Albert as a regional nursing supervisor for Indian Health. After what she and Bob both independently thought was too long a courtship, they married there in 1959, and made their home back in Kenora.
Kay rolled up her sleeves and learned a new profession as homemaker and mother, one she became more than proficient at. She was always actively involved in the Anglican churches locally, and was editor of the Diocese of Keewatin newspaper for many years. When her children were well into their school years, she also decided to return to nursing, this time as a Public Health Nurse, first part-time with Home Care in Kenora, then full time at the Northwestern Health Unit. She retired in 1989, remaining an active volunteer with various organizations in Kenora.
Kathleen was predeceased by her husband after nearly 46 very happy years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth; her son, Malcolm (Brook), and her two granddaughters, Eleanor and Margaret.
Funeral will be held at St. Alban’s Cathedral, 312 Main St., S. Kenora, Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jim Dugan officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations’ to the St. Alban’s Cathedral in Kathleen’s name would be appreciated by the family.