With sadness we share the news of the death of Leila Campbell, 90, on October 3, 2025. She was the mother-in-law of Nina Nicholson, diocesan staff member.
The granddaughter of Danish immigrants who settled in Iowa, Leila was born on April 4, 1935 to Charlie Hansen and Anna Clemsen Hansen, and grew up on their farm outside Atlantic, IA. After high school she entered nurse’s training and worked as a registered nurse for more than half a century, specializing in intensive care, cardiac care and substance-abuse nursing.
In 1956 Leila married Philip Petersen, who grew up in the neighboring Danish American enclave of Elk Horn, IA. His job took them first to Topeka, KS, where they had two children, Kirk and Julie. In 1963 Philip arranged for a transfer that relocated the family to Albuquerque, where the dry New Mexico air would be kinder to his respiratory system.
Leila and Philip’s marriage ended in the late 1970s, and in 1980 she married William Campbell.
Leila lived in Albuquerque for the remainder of her life, where she developed a large and loving network of friends through her church, her knitting group, and later at her assisted-living facility. Her faith sustained her throughout her life, and she was blessed with two opportunities to visit Israel in her 80s with a group from her church.
Leila was predeceased by both her husbands and by her daughter Julie Petersen. She is survived by her son Kirk Petersen, daughter-in-law Nina Nicholson, two grandsons and a step-great-grandson; stepson Amos Campbell; and a surrogate daughter, Vicki Rock, who with her husband Kevin Rock provided unwavering love and support for three decades.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Washed by the Word Church in Albuquerque.
Condolences may be sent to Nina and Kirk care of Episcopal House, 94 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039.
Father of all, we pray to you for Leila, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
