Obituary of Sister Bernard Marie Campbell, OSF
Sister Bernard Marie Campbell passed into eternal life January 25, 2023, at Villa Franciscan Place. She was 97 years of age and was looking forward to celebrating her 80th Jubilee as a Joliet Franciscan Sister this summer. Sister Bernie, as she was known, by her students, friends, and admirers, treasured her ministry as teacher, development associate, photographer, and parish icon. “Someone once told me,” she said, “life is like riding a bicycle. If you keep peddling, you won’t fall off.”
Sister Bernard Marie, a native of Joliet, Illinois, was born on September 7, 1925, to Evelyn (Baskerville) and Bernard J. Campbell. One of five children, she had two brothers, Thomas and Robert, and two sisters, Patricia and Dorothy. Preceding her in death are her parents, Evelyn and Bernard J. Campbell, her brother, Robert Campbell, her sisters, Patricia (Campbell) Johnston, Dorothy (Campbell) Rink, Sister Genevieve Marie Baskerville, OP and Fr. Edward Baskerville, M.M. of whom she was the fond niece. She is survived by her brother, Thomas Campbell, and many nieces, nephews, students, and friends.
Sister Bernard Marie attended St. Francis Academy (Joliet Catholic Academy), Joliet, Illinois. She was the Class of 1942 salutatorian. Continuing education at the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois, she earned her BA in math (1946) before being sent on her first mission to St. Peter’s High School, Mansfield, Ohio. Sister Bernard Marie received her MA in chemistry/physics (1962) from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. She attended many National Science Foundation sponsored summer courses with grants to American University, The Ohio State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Notre Dame College, University of Toledo, and University of Detroit (University of Detroit Mercy).
Sister Bernard Marie began her teaching at St. Peter’s High School in Mansfield, Ohio. After nine years she was assigned to Sacred Heart-Englewood, Chicago, Illinois; SS. Peter and Paul, Chicago, Illinois; and St. Mary’s-German Village, Columbus, Ohio. In 1963, she returned to St. Peter’s High School and remained there until September 2015. After 50 years of teaching science, math, and photography, she spent the last 20 years continuing at St. Peter’s as Development Associate. Sister Bernie was actively involved as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Monsignor Dunn Foundation for Education, which funds scholarships, equipment procurement, research, and professional support for the high school. She was a unique and driving force at St. Peter’s. She taught generations of students with wit and passion for Catholic education. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation for Sister Bernard Marie Campbell will take place at 8:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home on Friday, February 3, 2023, followed by the Mass for Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. Remembrances and Committal will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL 60446. All are invited to attend.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Bernard Marie Campbell or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL, 60435.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.
