Jeanine Campbell

Jeanine Marie Campbell, of Patchogue, NY, and Morgantown, WV, passed away on July 7, 2023, in Charlotte, NC, surrounded by her children and family, after a two-year journey living with ovarian cancer. Throughout her life, she was a shining beacon of selflessness, love, and perseverance. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, mentor, and friend.

Jeanine was born to Richard and Dionne (Coté) Hamber on September 21, 1957, in Queens, NY, as the youngest of three children. She graduated from East Meadow High School in 1975 and then went on to work in Garden City, NY, where she began to excel in her lifelong commitment to leading and supporting all those around her in multiple administrative capacities.

She met her husband, Paul Clayton Campbell, in Point Lookout, NY, through close friends—a strong attribute for them both. Paul and Jeanine married on October 13, 1979, in Garden City, NY. Together, they had three children—Matthew Paul born on September 12, 1983; Kevin Robert born on May 25, 1988; and Katherine Dionne born on May 10, 1991—and settled in Patchogue, NY. In August 1996, Jeanine transitioned into a role she inspired others with daily, as a single mother, while also returning to the workforce, after the sudden passing of Paul.

Jeanine put her children first. She was an active member with PTA, school events, and clubs. She attended every concert, sporting event, art show, and ceremony. And she pushed each of her children to be and achieve their best, supporting them as they moved through school, college, and into careers.

Jeanine was a beloved member of the Patchogue-Medford school community for 23 years both at Patchogue-Medford High School and Eagle Elementary School, ending her career in 2021 as a Senior Office Assistant and Principal’s Secretary at PMHS. She was a constant source of expertise and mentorship and, even more importantly, was a genuine, fun, and caring colleague.

Jeanine was a kind-hearted, generous and sentimental person with an amazing disposition—she never forgot a birthday card or a special holiday greeting. She spent countless hours crafting heartfelt photo albums for special trips and occasions. She cherished time with her family and friends and enjoyed travel, even if only to find a new place to bathe in the sun.

One of Jeanine’s most important roles was as “Baba”— the name gifted by her oldest grandchild and much loved by friends and family, but none more than Jeanine. No role was more special to Baba than as a grandmother to three grandchildren. She provided gifts, candy, fun games, life lessons, and immense and unending love. She was able to be close to all her grandchildren in her final months, sharing stories of “Grandpa Paul,” and the “invisible string” that will now forever connect them to both their grandparents.

Jeanine’s family would like to extend appreciation to the nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals who provided support to Jeanine over the past two years, and especially to those who provided comfort and care at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. The family also wishes to express gratitude to all of the friends who offered Jeanine and her family love and support not only over the past two years, but throughout her life during both times of joy and hardship.

Jeanine is survived by her three children: Matthew Campbell and his wife, Heidi Hecht Campbell, of Morgantown, WV; Kevin Campbell and his fiancée, Jamie Board, of Covington, KY; and Katherine Campbell of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Wilhelmina James Campbell, Paul Bowman (“Bo”) Campbell, and Leo Clayton Campbell; as well as her two siblings, Richard Hamber, Jr., and Denise Hayes; nine nieces and nephews; and their families.

Jeanine was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Campbell; her mother, Dionne Hamber; and her father, Richard Hamber.

A celebration of life for Jeanine Campbell will be held at Moloney’s Holbrook Funeral Home on Friday, August 4, 2023. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service program beginning at 4:00 p.m. Moloney’s Holbrook Funeral Home is located at 825 Main Street, Holbrook, NY 11741.