South San Francisco, CA November 27, 2021 by Garden Chapel Funeral Directors
Barbara was 3rd generation San Franciscan, born to Carl and Viola Mattson (née Buttelmann) on June 18, 1928. Her sister Alma Beam, from Tacoma, Washington predeceased her. Barbara grew up on Rudden Avenue and attended Balboa High School and San Francisco State University.
Her fondest memories were of summers; as a young girl, spent at the Russian River, and as a mother, sharing wonderful summers with her family at Camp Mather, near Yosemite National Park. She also enjoyed outings with her children; baseball games at Candlestick Park (later, at AT&T Ball Park) walks across the Golden Gate Bridge, visits to Filoli Gardens, and attending as many of her grandchildren’s sporting events as possible, to cheer them on.
Barbara and her husband John (Jack) Campbell, who predeceased her after 61 years of marriage, raised their family in South San Francisco. She was a devoted mother, who was always there for her children. She will be missed by Jack Campbell, Jr. (Linda), Patricia Meyer (Robert), Janice Detrick (Steve), Dennis Campbell, and James Campbell. She was extremely proud of her 5 children, as well as her 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her love of butterflies, the color purple, and a glass of Chardonnay, Barbara will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, as well as being an avid S.F. Giants fan, a dedicated PTA volunteer, and for her keen sense of humor. Two of her favorite one-liners were, “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!” and, in later years, “I’m in pretty good shape….for the shape I’m in!”
Barbara passed peacefully on November 14, 2021 at her home, surrounded by family and friends.
There will be a private service in remembrance and celebration of a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: Mission Hospice And Home Care 66 Bovet Road, Suite 100 San Mateo, CA 94402