Susan Schaffer Campbell

Born on October 28, 1943, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Sue was the beloved daughter of the late Robert J. and Dorothy Bauer Schaffer. She attended Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1961. Dedicated to continuing her education, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock State College. When faced with the choice of starting her career in Denver or in Connecticut, she chose the latter because “at least there will be a beach.”

Sue began her career as a first-grade teacher at Gales Ferry Elementary School in Gales Ferry, Connecticut. While working in Gales Ferry, she met her future spouse, Robert “Soupy” Campbell, whom she married in 1970. They built a house in Old Lyme, and a life together filled with humor and mutual-respect, which remained strong until Soupy’s passing in 1994.

Soupy’s work involved moving several times, including to Vicksburg, Mississippi and Frederick, Maryland. Their goal, however, was always to return to the home they built in Old Lyme. After working as a substitute teacher in the Frederick County public school system for 7 years, the family, at last, returned to their beloved home on Wildwood Drive in Old Lyme. Here, her commitment to students and education continued until her 2003 retirement from Regional School District #18.

Volunteerism and being an active member of her community was important to Sue as she dedicated most of her time to helping others. Sue was an active member of several community organizations, including the Rainbow Girls in her youth, Eastern Star (Bay View Lodge, Niantic, CT), Ellwood City Saxon Club, Old Lyme Fire Department Auxiliary, American Legion, and the Lymes' Senior Center, where she served as a former board member. She also volunteered as a Meals on Wheels driver for the Estuary Council of Seniors, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. She was also known for visiting classrooms at Center School, bringing history to life while dressed in Civil War garments, and wielding a box of hardtack.

Throughout her life, Sue maintained a love of learning and adventure. She was a trivia buff with a passion for American history, a frequent attendee of regional Scottish games, and even began learning the bagpipes at age 60. Always ready for an adventure, family camping trips, visits to Fort Shenandoah in Virginia, and sailing adventures aboard "L'il Bippie" with her husband were among her cherished memories. In retirement, she logged many miles visiting old Navy friends and adventuring with new friends on River Cruises and tours of Quebec. When she wasn’t volunteering or traveling, she knitted several loving keepsakes

and voraciously read history books. She also could be reliably found from 3:30-4:30 pm on weekdays, enjoying coffee and wide-ranging conversations with her close friends on Lyme Street.

Above all, Sue enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, bringing them along on Meals on Wheels during summer vacations and school breaks, attending school events, and celebrating every and any achievement.

She was plucky, loving, steadfast, and witty, with humor that endeared her to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her quips, her curiosity, and dedication to helping others.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Campbell-Berry, and her son-in-law, Steven Robert (Rob) Berry, along with her cherished grandchildren, Audrey and Oliver Berry of Old Lyme, and Ava Berry of Hartford, Connecticut. She is predeceased by her devoted husband, Robert Cline Campbell, whose memory she cherished deeply.

The family extends gratitude to Dr. Michael Feltes for his indispensable support during Sue's final years, and to the hospice team at L&M Hospital for their compassion and professionalism, ensuring her final days were comfortable and peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sue's memory to the Old Lyme Fire Department, The Lymes’ Senior Center, or Estuary Council of Seniors for Meals on Wheels services, reflecting her lifelong dedication to community service.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 19th from 4-6pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme.