Helen Cora Campbell

Helen Campbell, aged 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 17, 2021, in Bellevue, WA. She is survived by her younger brother John (Veatch), her three children, Susan, Scott and David, and their respective spouses Sharon, John, Beth and Margaret.

Helen was born in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY, to Fred and Della Veatch and spent her early years living in Kirkwood, MO, and Louisville, KY. She moved to Tacoma, WA, in 1940 and attended Stadium High School where she was class valedictorian. She then attended Mills College for two years before transferring to the University of Washington in her junior year. There she majored in English, enjoyed attending football games and joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She also met her future husband, Lee Campbell, who was attending the University of Washington Law School at the time.

Lee and Helen were married in 1950 and lived first on Mercer Island and then Clyde Hill and Medina, while Lee built his law practice at Karr Tuttle. Their first child, Susan, was born in 1952. Shortly after Susan’s birth, Helen contracted polio but ultimately survived with very few aftereffects. Their second, Scott, was born two years later. Helen and Lee’s third child, David, was born in 1959.

Helen and Lee enjoyed life in Bellevue, joining the Overlake Golf & Country Club in the early 1960, where they remained members until their deaths. Helen served as Ladies Captain in 1973. The Campbell family spent many summers boating in the San Juans, Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound; Helen and Lee were members of the Seattle Yacht Club since the early 70’s. They also formed lasting friendships with a group of friends from their college years (the Iron Springs Gun Club), where they enjoyed camping with families, clam digging excursions and fall pheasant hunting trips.

Helen and Lee also loved traveling, both domestically and internationally. The family took several trips to visit National Parks and explore Washington State. Helen and Lee travelled extensively in Europe and loved spending time in Hawaii, eventually staying there for a month every February once Lee had retired.

Helen was active in the Ryther League, serving at one point as President of her branch. She was also an avid reader and bridge player. Her last years were spent living at The Gardens at Town Square in Bellevue, initially with her dog Rocky.

Helen was loved and will be truly missed by all of her family, including her grandchildren and extended family. Her cremains will follow Lee’s into the waters of the San Juan Islands and Maui. No memorial service is planned. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Ryther organization at ryther.org/donate.