Obituary of Campbell, Geraldine "Jerri" Annie

Geraldine (Jerri) Annie Campbell born April 20th 1935 on Prince Edward Island, the youngest daughter to Myrtle Bell Barrett Simmons and Frank Simmons died September 8th 2016 also on the Island, after a brief illness. Many leading up to her passing held her in love. Jerri spent her young years on PEI and then moved to Halifax as a teenager to be with her sister Vera and her family. These years were filled with fond memories for Jerri. It is here that she formed a loving bond with her nephew Leigh (who was more like a brother) that would last a lifetime. In her late teens, early 20's Jerri moved to the states. She met her soon to be husband, Ken Campbell. The two were married for 51 years. A feat in itself! After being married a year and living on Long Island they welcomed their eldest daughter Lee Ann to the world. She brought much love, laughter and a bit of wildness to their world. They loved her dearly! After many years of waiting and wanting another child finally their youngest daughter, Sueanne was born. She was born premature but soon grew to be sturdy and strong. While in the hospital Jerri said to Sueanne "I watched over you in the hospital when you were a baby and now you are watching over me." Three years later the family moved to New Jersey where Jerri continued to be a stay at home mom. She was a nurturing and lovely mom. She and Ken had wonderful friends and neighbors there as well. Four years later the family moved to Cambridge New York and purchased the Town House Restaurant. This was a bold move, for either Jerri or Ken had any experience in the restaurant business! Though the transition into restaurant life was not easy they made a go of it for 22 years. The first weekend of being the new owners they served a wedding of 250 people and within the first 6 months a change in chefs took place. But they had many angels that helped and taught them along the way. You know who you are. She loved you all. Jerri began at the restaurant in the front of the house as hostess and then moved into being a waitress and years later she was the chefs helper until finally she became the head of the kitchen, cooking delicious meals. The work was hard but she loved it. When the restaurant sold it was bittersweet, for over the years she had come to love the many people that frequented her doors. Jerri cared deeply for those around her. She was generous and kind. She took many of her daughter's friends in and loved them as her own. In fact, she had many people who confided in her and she listened without judgment. She had a big generous heart! After selling the restaurant Jerri and Ken moved back to her homeland, Prince Edward Island. They purchased the house that Jerri grew up in as a young girl. It was a hard transition leaving family and friends but Jerri soon found her rhythm with the help of new friends and family on the Island. She looked forward to the trips back to Cambridge in the spring and fall to visit with her daughters and old friends. She looked forward to seeing her grandsons Parker and Forest each year in the summers, how we all wished we lived closer. Jerri had adopted grandsons that lived just across the street in Lot 16. Luke, Linden and Logan you filled Jerri's heart up as she filled your bellies with treats! During these years Jerri was able to spend time with her sister, her nephew, his wife and other special relations. You all made life back in Canada sweet for Jerri. After Ken passed Jerri sold the old house and moved into town across the street from Leigh. After a few years of living on her own she moved into an assisted living arrangement at Park Hill. It was here that she met her 2 last roommates and friends Claire and Jean. Jean was a true friend right to the end of Jerri's life. We will miss her, she was a simply wonderful person. The Campbell sister's would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the hospital that cared for Geraldine with gentleness and kindness. We also would like to thank all the staff at Park Hill for taking such good care of Jerri while she was with you. And to our family especially Leigh and Joyce, BeBe, Kim, Kaela and Sophie you all made it possible. We are forever in your debt and so very grateful. There will be no service for those were Jerri's wishes. But please make a meal for your friends or go out to dinner and think of Jerri she would like that. Memorial donations in Jerri's memory may be made to the Prince County Hospital Foundation. If you would like to send a condolence to her family, please click Online Condolences below OR send an email directly to epfuneral@eastlink.ca