Barbara F. Campbell

Barbara Campbell (Dubuque, IA 7/14/42 - Rockford, IL 10/16/24) MA, M.Div., D.Min.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 57 years James, daughters Elaine Campbell-Weickert (Chris Weickert) and Michele Campbell, grandchildren Isaac Weickert (Lauren, Adelaide, Benjamin), Nathaniel Weickert (Harley), Michaela Sicard (Idan, Elora, Leviticus), Ana Weickert, Elaina Weickert (Cora), and Lucas Weickert. Barbara’s beloved siblings are Maureen Clark, Michael Mulgrew (Jackie) and Mary Irvin (James) and many lovely nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Russell and Emily Mulgrew and her brother Bruce Mulgrew. 

Barbara had a varied career, beginning as a hair stylist in Dubuque, IA. Attending Clarke College in Dubuque (1961- 64) she majored in French and Biology. She received an MA in French at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey CA in (1966) where she met her husband, James. After teaching French for four years at Marywood High School in Orange, CA, she returned to Dubuque to complete an M.Div (1977) at the Aquinas Institute of Theology. She later earned a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) at the University of St Mary of the Lake. She began her career in Catechesis as a DRE at Holy Family Parish in the Diocese of Orange. In 1989 she became the Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Rockford, IL. She continued her service as Associate Director for Religious Education for the NCEA. Barbara then became Vice President at Loyola Press. While at Loyola Press Barbara and her husband, James, co-authored the Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts curriculum program.

At home, Barbara always welcomed family and friends, especially during the holiday season. She loved making yearly craft decorations for family and friends. She was an avid gardener so she could share the harvest. When she was aware of strangers on the road in need of an emergency gallon of gas to get home, she immediately went out of her way to help.

Her husband Jim shares that “Living with Barbara has been an experience of unmerited Grace as her heart was centered on the heart of Jesus and Mary. Now living most intimately with Jesus and Mary her heart continues to resonate with ours as a source of help as we continue our journey to accompany her in eternal life.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jesuit Relief Services.