Claudia Lee Campbell

Claudia Lee Campbell
June 18, 2013

The Beginning
Claudia Lee Sevon Campbell was born in Deadwood, South Dakota to Dona and Claude Sevon on Christmas Day, 1952. She and her family soon moved to Manhattan Beach, CA. Claudia was a big sister to Bob, Terry, and Cindy. She returned to South Dakota while her father earned his engineering degree at the SD School of Mines. After he graduated, she returned to grow up on the beach in Southern California. After graduating from Mira Costa High School, she married Jerry Canfield. Claudia’s elder son, Gregg Alan Campbell, was born in Redondo Beach in 1972. Claudia, Jerry, and Gregg moved to Davis, CA where Claudia worked a variety of jobs, including her first accounting position at SeedTec International. When her first marriage ended in 1983, she and Gregg moved to Seattle where she continued her career as an accountant.

The Middle
Soon after arriving in Seattle, Claudia met her future husband Howard on a blind date on Mother’s Day, 1983. Claudia and Howard moved things right along, and got married on January 7, 1984. Gregg was adopted by Howard in 1986. Claudia worked in progressively more senior finance roles over the next few years, including her first senior job at a subsidiary of Universal Avionics, where she served as head of accounting and eventually as CFO. Claudia left to take a position at SFX, a 100 year-old farmer’s cooperative. In addition to her Finance duties, she earned her MBA from UW in 1989. She was eventually promoted to CEO. She ended her work career at a business management consultancy, CADG, which she started with Jim Sweeney.

The Blissful Years
After several failed attempts, Claudia and Howard were blessed by the arrival of Abby and Jon in May, 2001. Claudia leaped into her proudest role yet, giving them the stay at home Mom that she was unable to be for Gregg. Abby and Jon have thrived under her care and with her love. Claudia’s willingness to volunteer for organizations around us was remarkable. She served in various Finance roles at Bellevue Presbyterian Church for almost 10 years, she ran a Girl Scout troop for five years, coached T-ball and learned to referee young kids’ soccer. She served on the Bear Creek School PTF, and at one point was keeping the books for four kids’ organizations at the same time. When Gregg and Joy decided to get married, she joyfully planned a beautiful wedding in just five weeks. Three years ago, Claudia was blessed to become a grandmother to Ella, Gregg and Joy’s little girl. Claudia was especially proud of Gregg’s success. He’s a great father and wonderful husband. She did all this while coping with Howard’s very busy work schedule.

The Curtain Comes Down
Claudia first developed symptoms in February, 2012, and was diagnosed with a truly rare form of cancer the following month. This cancer is so rare that its exact nature remains unclear despite multiple pathological studies. Claudia fought incredibly hard to beat it, enduring three lines of chemo, two courses of radiation, surgery, and too much time at what she came to call Club Swedish. Through all of this she remained positive, polite, and cheerful to all of those that cared for her. Unfortunately, while this “no regrets, no stone unturned” path prolonged her life and let her achieve her goal of seeing Abby and Jon graduate from 6th grade on June 11th, it was not enough to beat the disease. Claudia passed away peacefully on June 18th, a bright sunny morning, surrounded by her children, family members, and her pastor. Their presence were an obvious and great comfort to Claudia.  Claudia has depended on the tireless and loving care and support of our daughter-in-law, Joy Abordo Campbell, over the last year. Special thanks are due to Wendy Wadhwani and Mimi O’Neill who helped her immeasurably, providing love, companionship and moral support. Many others have supported her and our family during her fight; thanks to everyone who transported a child, brought a meal, offered encouragement. The community outpouring of love and support has been humbling.

Claudia is survived by her immediate family—husband Howard, children Abigail, Jonathan, Gregg, and Joy, and granddaughter Ella. Her siblings are Terry, Bob, and Cindy, each with their own extended families.  We all miss her dearly and are so very proud to have known her. In lieu of flowers, please support the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.  A celebration of Claudia’s life well lived will take place on Sunday, June 30, at 3 p.m. at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.  A verse Claudia wrote in her journal to give comfort and strength. From Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.