Faithful companions in life, love, and community
There are some couples whose lives become so deeply intertwined that it is difficult to speak of one without the other. Lawrence and Catherine Campbell were such people.
Married on June 24, 1950, they walked side by side in faith, family life, and service for just over 75 years. Their marriage became a quiet testimony to steadfast love, resilience, and Christian devotion. Longtime members of Holy Trinity, Jocelyn, on St. Joseph Island, they remained deeply connected to the Island community and the Anglican Church throughout their lives, even after making their home in Sault Ste. Marie.
Lawrence died on March 23, 2026, surrounded by Catherine and their family, just days before his 97th birthday. Catherine followed him only weeks later, on May 13. Their deaths, so close together after a lifetime shared, seemed almost impossible to separate. On the eve of what would have been their 76th wedding anniversary, their union stands as a witness to enduring commitment and grace.
Their story began on St. Joseph Island. Lawrence grew up in a devoted Christian family next door to his future wife, Catherine Hadden, whose family lived across the Two Tree River. Rooted in a shared faith and a close-knit Island community, they married on June 24, 1950, and began building a life together grounded in family, friendship, and service.
After beginning married life on Catherine’s family farm, they later settled in Sault Ste. Marie, where they raised their three children—Holly, Clair, and Alex—and formed lasting friendships with neighbours who became like family.
Throughout those years, St. Joseph Island remained home in spirit, with Holy Trinity, Jocelyn, continuing to hold a special place in their hearts. But their faith also found expression through active involvement in the Anglican community in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the years, they worshipped faithfully at All Saints Anglican Church and St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, later becoming part of the Emmaus Anglican Church community.
When the COVID-19 pandemic made gathering in person difficult, their commitment to faith did not waver. They continued to worship through online services, read Scripture, and make use of devotional resources that encouraged daily reflection.
The Rev. Holly Klemmensen, who regularly visited the couple and brought Holy Communion to their home, remembers the pair with gratitude. “I always admired Lawrence and Catherine’s faithfulness and their love; of God, of their family and friends and community, and of their church family,” she said.
Klemmensen recalls that Catherine often invited her for tea and conversation. During her visits, Lawrence and Catherine spoke warmly about their church communities, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on matters of faith and the changing issues of the day. “During our visits, they had the best questions, and shared the warmest hospitality,” she said. “I miss them and am grateful to God for bringing us together.“
Those who knew them recognized in Lawrence a quiet strength, dependability, and warm sense of humour. Catherine was remembered for her warmth, resilience, quick wit, and unforgettable hugs.
Their family was at the centre of their lives. They endured profound sorrow together, including the deaths of two of their children, Holly and Clair. Yet they remained sustained by faith, family, and community. Their lives expanded to include four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and both looked forward with joy to welcoming a sixth great-grandchild this summer.
Following Catherine’s funeral at Emmaus Anglican Church on May 21, Lawrence and Catherine rested together one final time in the sanctuary before a funeral procession carried them home to St. Joseph Island. Travelling through Garden River and across the Island, the procession paused briefly at the family farm at Sailors Encampment before continuing to Holy Trinity, Jocelyn, where they were laid to rest side by side in the church cemetery.
Reflecting on the journey, the family described it as “a beautiful ending to a wonderful life together.”
For the people of Holy Trinity, Jocelyn, and for many throughout the Diocese of Algoma, Lawrence and Catherine Campbell leave behind more than memories. They leave an example: of enduring marriage, humble faith, steadfast community, and lives quietly lived in service to others.
May they rest together in the peace and presence of Christ.
Additional Reading
Sault couple celebrates 75 years together | Sault Star