Obituary of Lynn-Ann Campbell, River Ryan

We, the family of Lynn-Ann (Burke) Campbell, 62, are deeply saddened to announce her passing at Milton District Hospital, Milton, Ontario, on grading day, June 30, 2023.  Lynn- Ann was a devoted wife and mother to her loving husband, Michael, for 37 years and her children, Quinn and Jessica Lynn.  She is also survived by her parents, Joan (Quinn) and Gerald Burke; brothers, Paul (Cathy) and children, Joanna (Chris), Megan (Steve) and Jason (Denise) and children, Chloe (Ryan Rivers) and Emma Kate, her grandnephew, Grayson, grandnieces, Ryleigh and Amelia whom she adored and her Aunt Lorraine and Uncle David Sheppard. 

Lynn-Ann was born on March 15,1961, the Ides of March.  Since this was teachers’ March break, Lynn-Ann could celebrate her birthday for a whole week, which included St. Patrick’s Day.  She was a staunch Irish descendent and loved to celebrate her Irish heritage. 

Lynn-Ann was born and raised in River Ryan and attended the former St. Michael’s Church, now the Parish Church of St. Leonard where she served as a lector.  She was a loving wife and proud mother and she loved all her family dearly.  All who knew her appreciated her love of others, her fun-loving nature, and her cooking skills – especially her chowders, soups, and rice pilaf.

Lynn-Ann graduated from Breton Education Centre.  After graduation, she attended the Vocational School taking the hairdresser program under Master Maria Delorenzo.  Following that, she entered Nova Scotia Teachers’ College in Truro, obtaining her teaching certificate.  She then went on to continue her education at UCCB obtaining a B.A. and St. FX University being awarded an M.Ed. in Resource and an M.Ed. in Literacy.   Lynn-Ann was a devoted teacher and always did her very best for each and every one of her students.  She was employed for 33 years with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board until her retirement in 2020.   

Lynn-Ann loved without reservation and gave of herself without hesitation.  She volunteered wherever and whenever she was able.  She was a dedicated member of the Cursillo Movement  and had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Lynn-Ann was a leader in the Youth Speaks Up movement started by Jack Yazer.  For 10 years, she helped grade 6 students understand themselves and the path they could take. Lynn-Ann established personal connections and friendships with these students which she continued to share until her passing.   

We all know Lynn-Ann loved to wear her stilettos.  She and Michael were beautiful dancers and would be the first on the dance floor and the last to leave at the end of the night.  She loved to host parties and was an exceptional cook and baker.  And, at the end of the night, you could be sure there would be a sing song. Lynn-Ann was a wonderful conversationalist. She could talk on the landline phone for hours.  That is why when we called, the dial tone was usually busy. Her kindness, generosity, and patience knew no bounds. Lynn- Ann was a bright star in every room she entered.  

She will be dearly missed by her extended family, Colleen (Joe, dec.) Piccolo, Kay (Jimmy) Hogan, Brian (Theresa) Campbell, Anne (Cyril) Boudreau, Nellie (Jeff, dec.) Chung, Charles (Florence) Campbell, Colin (Michelle Spencer) Campbell, Patsy (Brian) MacSween, Bradley (Linda) Campbell, Patricia, Mary and Sheila Campbell. She was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law, Colin and Nellie (Hawley) Campbell, sister-in-law, Theresa and Dr. Clive Macdonald and brothers-in-law, John and Angus Campbell.  

Lynn Ann will be sadly missed by her family, her nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren, and all the very many friends she made throughout her life.   

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford where visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will be celebrated by Fr. Godwin Obike on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford. Internment will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery, River Ryan, with a reception to follow at the Army, Navy, Airforce, Unit 217, 495 Smith Street, New Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lynn-Ann’s memory to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre or a charity of your choice. Words of condolences may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. 

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk