Eugenia "Jean" Campbell

Eugenia “Jean” Campbell

Jean Campbell, 82, of Palmer, Alaska passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2022 with her husband and children by her side. She lived a good life, but her clock had run its course.

Jean was born on November 14, 1939 to Eugene and Rose Derocher of Bark River, Michigan. She was baptized Eugenia Ann Derocher, though she rarely used that name. Jean was the 9th of 12 children in her mid-west, Catholic, farming family. On the family farm she developed a strong faith in God, love of family, and the value of hard work and good cooking.

Jean graduated from Holy Name High School in 1958, then moved to the big city of Milwaukee to roommate with sister Jackie (Galecke) and work at White Stag clothing company. Within a year, adventure called again, and she agreed to travel from Michigan to Alaska with another sister, Emily (Larson). She helped care for Emily’s two young children, Dean and Michelle, along the way.

After her arrival in Palmer, she couldn’t resist the charms of Paul Campbell. They married on February 10, 1961 in the original log Catholic Church in Palmer. Home and family were the top priority for both Jean and Paul. They raised their children, spoiled their pets and grandkids, and welcomed countless friends and relatives into their home of 50 years on Hideaway Circle.

Jean was by her husband’s side as they worked their way up in the world. She flew with Paul when he ferried small planes up from the lower 48 in the 1960’s and supported Paul when he ventured into running his own Engineering/Surveying business from 1978-2007. Jean had a varied career of her own ranging from Banking, to First Postmaster of Big Lake, to Registrar of Palmer Jr. Middle School. She was appreciated for her work ethic, kindness, and dependability.

In the summertime she cared for her beautiful garden and was proud to be one of the first to grow hydrangea in the area. After retirement, Jean enjoyed snowbirding to their condo in Arizona where she loved watching the birds on the Colorado River and gambling after Mass on Saturday night with her new retirement friends.

She will be remembered for her big smile and tight hugs that always welcomed you when you arrived at her door. She would take you by the arm to show her beautiful peonies and hydrangeas, invite you to stay for Sunday Pot Roast, and tell you why she was so proud of you. There was no doubt you were loved by Jean. She made it known every time she saw you.

Jean is survived by Paul Campbell, her husband of 61 years; children: Natalie Good and Jon Paul Campbell; grandchildren: Nick, Nathaniel, and Katie Good; her other kids, John and Stacey DePriest; sister: Emily Larson Schneider; and a multitude of beautiful nieces, nephews, and their families.

Service was held Thursday, February 17 at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Palmer.