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Vivian Campbell Obituary
Born June 19, 1926 to Vere and Sybil Little of Decker Manitoba, Vivian was one of 6 children of this farm family. Vivian did not move far from home coming back to marry the love of her life, Gordon Campbell, on July 12th, 1952. Throughout their life they raised a family of 4 children and worked together to built and grow a thriving family farm in the Isabella area.
What she valued most of all was her 72 years together with Gordon doing the things they loved, spending time with her kids, grandkids and supporting family and friends. Vivian’s philosophy was built on the foundation of strong relationships, caring and respect.
Vivian came from a long line of distinguished and dedicated nurses. Both her mother and her paternal grandmother were nurses. She would often reflect on the many people who would come to their family home seeking medical care or the services of a midwife. From very early on in life Vivian was a part of providing healthcare in the community, passing her passion onto her children and grandchildren, now culminating in 5 generations of health care providers.
Vivian graduated in 1949 from the Health Sciences Centre with her RN of Nursing and then went back and took her Diploma in Public Health. She started her nursing career in Hamiota hospital but quickly shifted into Public Health Nursing out of the Virden Health Unit. A career in the early 40’s and 50’s was a challenge for women as they were required to resign when having children. Despite these limitations Public Health Nursing became her lifelong career and passion.
In 1962 Vivian was hired to set up a new Health Unit in the Birtle/Shoal Lake area covering from Boggy Creek north of Roblin, south of Birtle, west to the Saskatchewan border and east to Strathclair and Rossburn area. In this position she was responsible to set up, deliver and manage all Public Health programs and services that would now be currently under Home Care Nursing services.
In the late sixties/early seventies Vivian was asked to take on a key role with a Provincial committee working to expand Public Health Programs and to create a formal Home Care Program. This work became the foundation of the current Home Care Program within Manitoba today.
In 2020 Vivian’s 35+ years in Public Health/Home Care Nursing was celebrated at the 100-Year Celebration of Public Health Nurses in Manitoba. During that celebration she shared ….”It all began when I went to Winnipeg for my Grade 12 at United College. I had the opportunity to sit with returning World War 2 veterans who shared their experiences. It pushed me to further my education. At that time there was a shortage of qualified teachers in the rural areas and through a program set to hire “untrained” people I received a 6 week teaching course. I accepted the challenge and was hired in a rural school with 8 grades and 9 students. This experience gave me the confidence that would benefit me throughout my career but more importantly showed me that I wanted to do more so I went back to take my Nurse’s training.”
Vivian often spoke about the opportunities and challenges she faced throughout her career. One such experience was the 1952 polio epidemic where Public Health Nurses from across the province were pulled into Winnipeg, with no formalized training, to provide care to polio patients on iron lungs. She often said “when I look back on my career I would identify this as one of my most challenging but rewarding experiences.”
Throughout Vivian’s life she was an active community member serving on a wide variety of community and regional committees. In addition to this she served as the Provincial President/ President elect of the Women’s Institute from 1998-2001. She also worked with youth in various capacities, one being as leader for Explorers and CGIT for many years. In recognition of her community and professional contributions she received the “Women of Distinction Award – Community Services”.
Left behind to cherish Vivian’s memory are her children Pat (Alex), Ron (Wilma), Tanis (Eileen), Scott (Nikki). Also left to mourn are grandchildren Alexander (Anisa), Ashley (Andrew), Patrick (Tanya), Tyson (Alison), Aaron (Emily), Karla (David), Holly, Julie (Dylan), Jordan, Samantha, and great grandchildren Ariya, Aram, James, Violet, Campbell, Grayson, Theo, Athena, Hugo, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A graveside service for both Vivian and Gordon Campbell will be held August 2, 2025 at Arrow River Cemetary at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cancer Care of Manitoba and Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
“Thank you Mom for your wisdom, your strong sense of family and your never ending love”
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June 19 1926 March 7 2025 98 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Neepawa, Province: Manitoba
death notice Vivian Sy’Belle Campbell June 19 1926 March 7 2025 98 Years Old
obituaries notice Vivian Sy’Belle Campbell June 19 1926 March 7 2025 98 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Vivian Sy’Belle Campbell June 19 1926 March 7 2025 98 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
