Katherine Campbell
Waterford — Katherine “Kay” Campbell, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Kay resided in the Pleasure Beach community of Waterford for 45 years.
Kay was born on Oct. 11, 1934, in New London to her parents, the late Margaret and Joseph Burke. She graduated from New London Business College and spent her life working hard in various administrative roles for The Day and Boats, Inc. She also worked many years as bookkeeper for Santer Distributors before starting her own housekeeping business.
Kay’s life revolved around her family, friends and animals. Her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren brought her a lifetime of pride and joy. Even through a long battle with cancer, she always kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Her love, care and genuine sweetness were felt by anyone who crossed her path. Kay was truly selfless in all things. She radiated strength and was most content when contributing to the happiness of others; that’s what gave her life. She was also known to be the first to arrive at all of her grandchildren’s sporting and school events.
Kay’s hobbies included reading, gardening and yard work. She loved spending time outdoors in the warm weather and, in the cold weather, she could be found curled up in her favorite chair with a good book and her cat, Floyd, on her lap. Kay also enjoyed traveling with her companion of 31 years, Vito Insinga. Together they explored places like Tahiti, Aruba, the Grand Canyon, Florida and the Bahamas.
Kay is survived by her two sons, John Campbell and his wife, Robin, and Jim Campbell; a daughter, Laurie Campbell; her five grandchildren, Tara, Lindsey, Jimmy, Brittany and Johnny; and two great-grandchildren, Ella Katherine and Mason Burke. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Marshall; a brother-in-law, Charles Marshall; and her companion of 31 years, Vito Insinga.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her infant brother, Philip Joseph.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the compassionate staff at Connecticut Hospice of Branford for the wonderful care they extended to Kay.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 1, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will held celebrated 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, at St. Joseph Church, Squire Street, New London. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, https://www. stbaldircks.org/donate, an organization committed to childhood cancer research.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.