Published July 12, 2019
MELROSE — On Friday, July 5, 2019, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother H. Loraine Campbell passed away at the age of 92. Loraine was born at the Boston Lying-In Hospital to parents Helen (Murphy) and William Gregoire on September 4, 1926. She lived a happy childhood on Orchard Street in Medford where she met many friends and the love of her life, Jack Campbell.
Family was everything to Loraine. She and Jack created a haven for their family in a warm, idyllic home on a small hill in Reading. All were welcome, especially those willing to rake leaves in exchange for turkey sandwiches and games of Scrabble. At night, the kitchen would buzz with energy as she prepared delicious meals for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She had many adventures in her life – she loved taking in the crystal waters of Anna Maria Island, or the mist-covered mountains of New Hampshire – but it was in those moments at home, with her family gathered around her laughing, shouting Jeopardy answers, and sharing a meal made with love, that she was most content.
She spent her life raising her children at home and when they were grown, she returned to work. She loved her jobs at Brigham’s and Wit’s End in Burlington, but most of all she loved her time at the Children’s Shop in Reading where she worked for many years. The grandchildren benefited most from her time there as she spent most of her paychecks on outfits for them. She loved all babies but mostly her own. She would feed and wash them and when they were ready for bed she would deliver them to Jack who loved to rock them to sleep. They lived a simple, sweet life and built a home that was filled with laughter and love.
Loraine is reunited with her husband Jack, whose side she never wanted to leave in life. She is survived by siblings William and his wife Mary Gregoire of Kingston, and Ruthann Dow of Melrose; children Dale and husband John McCarthy of Parrish, Fla., Richard and wife Linda Campbell of Campton, N.H., and Lauren and husband Bill Swanson of Pembroke; pre-deceased by son-in-law Robert Payne, Jr.; grandchildren Lynn and husband Benjamin Ghiglieri, Janis and husband Steve Wilcox, Patrick and wife Melissa Campbell, William McCarthy and Colleen Miller, Erin and husband Daniel Ryan, Matthew Campbell, Michele McCarthy, Joshua Payne, and Melissa and husband Brian Hickey; 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, including her caregiver Karen Patshke, who was by her side until the end.
Loraine’s family is especially grateful for the loving care she received from the staff at Proprietor’s Green in Marshfield and Hospice Services of Massachusetts.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, July 10. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, July 11, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
