Lexena Campbell, a pioneer in the development of mental health, social and family services across the former Cape Breton County, died early Monday at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a month long illness. Born April 3, 1932 in Sydney, she graduated from Holy Angels High, St. F.X. Class of ’52 and McGill University before embarking on a career in social work starting in Toronto and later in Montreal at the Baron de Hirsch Institute, focusing early on the importance of mental health in family support services. Returning to Cape Breton, she worked with the Children’s Aid Society and won early recognition as a team player who worked tirelessly throughout the region often in stressful situations where she won the trust of family members and the friendship of fellow workers. She was a key participant in the initiative to establish a network of supportive offices, including one located at the Cape Breton Hospital in Sydney River. Lexena spent the last years of her career at the Glace Bay Mental Health clinic where she worked alongside a close knit team of colleagues and friends. Lexie, as she was known to her friends and family members, never lost her concern for children and families in trouble and was quick to lend support where she could. She was also engaged as a citizen who was always interested in the wider community. She read and watched the news daily until recently entering hospital and despite failing health, got out to cast her ballot for the last time in the October federal election. Surviving Lexena are her sister, Helen MacPherson, Grand Mira; brothers John, (Dolores), Stanley (Margaret), Brian, sister-in-law, Sylvia, all of Sydney, as well as grand-nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by parents Vincent J. and Viola (MacNeil) Campbell, brothers Peter, Sandy and Donald, sister Anne Marie. Visitation for Lexena Campbell will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Thurs, Nov 21, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9pm with the funeral to be celebrated on Fri Nov 22 in Sacred Heart Church in Johnstown at 11a.m with Fr. John Yake presiding. A sincere thank you to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Online condolences can be made to family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
