Carolyn M. Campbell, Longtime Teacher, Historian, Dies At 91

Carolyn M. Campbell, 91, formerly of Beachwood, passed away peacefully at Hampton Ridge Healthcare Center in the early hours of March 17, 2015.

She was born to C. Leeland and Hattie W. Campbell at her family home in Beachwood, where she lived most of her life until moving to Harrogate Independent Living in 2008.

Carolyn attended Tuckerton Grade School and graduated from Toms River High School in 1941. While in school she won numerous spelling bees and was Salutatorian of her high school graduating class. She was an outstanding athlete and won varsity letters in every sport offered.

Carolyn graduated from Montclair State Teacher’s College in 1944 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later went on to earn her Master’s Degree from Rutger’s University. She was a member of Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Organization of Honorary Women in Education, serving as President from 1968 to 1970.

She taught geography and physical education in the Lakewood public schools. Prior to her retirement in 1979 she worked for the Ocean County Superintendent of Schools as a Regional Helping Teacher. She was a member of the Toms River Schools Hall of Fame. Carolyn was a stalwart member of the Ocean County Historical Society. She authored and co-authored numerous articles and books about Ocean County and the towns surrounding the Toms River.

She served as OCHS President from 1983 to 1985 and was a speaker at over 100 programs on the history of schools and Ocean County. As a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River she was instrumental in the development of the church preschool.

Carolyn was also a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Gloria Chapter #159, serving as Worthy Matron and Worthy District Deputy, representing the Chapter throughout New Jersey. Carolyn was a great traveler and an avid reader, a woman of many talents and wide and varied interests. She spent many happy days in her canoe exploring the Toms River and Cedar Creek. She enjoyed biking throughout Beachwood and all the towns along the Toms River. A gifted photographer, she used her camera to great advantage, preserving many wonderful sights and events that she enjoyed sharing with others.

Carolyn is survived by her brother, Clifford W. Campbell and his wife, Mary Jo; her nephew William Campbell and his wife, Sheryl; her nieces Nancy Campbell, Susan Wright and Lynn Hansen and her husband, Daryl; her great-nephews, Jesse Clifford Wright and his wife, Nancy, Andrew Campbell and his wife, Jacqueline and Michael Campbell; her great-nieces Julie Bury and her husband, Joseph and Whitney Anderson and her husband, James; five great, great-nephews and one great, great-niece.

Carolyn lived a healthy, happy life, full of adventure and dedicated to serving and educating the people of Ocean County. May the Lord Bless her and keep her always.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m.on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Toms River Presbyterian Church, 1070 Hooper Avenue, Toms River. A reception will follow in the Church hall. Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, Toms River, is in charge of arrangements.