Sister Immaculata Campbell, 1923-2014
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Born January 30, 1923 in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky Entered St. Walburg Monastery, August 15, 1941 Received habit, June 29, 1942 First Profession, June 30, 1943 Died May 23, 2014 |
Sister Immaculata Campbell, OSB was born in Ft. Mitchell, KY on January 30, 1923 to James Henry and Eleanor Griffith Campbell and given the name Eleanor at her baptism. She and her twin Patricia were the middle children with an older sister Mary and a younger brother Jim. These siblings preceded her in death; Jim, a Navy pilot, died in WWII. Educated by Benedictine Sisters at Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Schools, Eleanor entered St. Walburg Monastery on August 15, 1941 and became a novice as Sister Immaculata on June 29, 1942. She made her first monastic profession on June 30, 1943 and perpetual profession three years later; she celebrated silver, golden and diamond jubilees in 1968, 1993 and 2003.
With her B.A. degree from Villa Madonna College in 1946, Sr. Immaculata was prepared for classroom teaching and she exercised her skills in many diocesan schools and in Colorado. She earned an M.A. degree at Xavier University after several summers. Sr. Immaculata taught in both elementary and secondary schools 1946 to 1970. She served as Diocesan Supervisor from 1958 to 1961. Summers from 1958 to 1962 took her to Catholic University where she earned an M.S. in Library Science. With this training she served as librarian at Thomas More College, at a library in Bradenton, FL and at Bethesda Hospital, cataloging special collections. She served in these library positions between 1970 and 1977, when she completed training in clinical pastoral ministry.
From 1977 until 2006 Sr. Immaculata worked as a pastoral minister, particularly at St. Paul Parish in Florence. This work took her into Woodspoint and Florence Park Care Centers where she ministered to the elderly and formed strong bonds of friendship.
On September 19, 2006 Sr. Immaculata suffered a severe stroke which left her unable to continue in her active ministry. She participated as best she could in common prayer, activities and recreation. She enjoyed cards and other games with the sisters. During the past year her physical condition continued to decline. Death came peacefully in the early hours of Friday, May 23. Sr. Immaculata is survived by three nieces, one nephew, many friends and this Benedictine community.