Loretta Jardine “Dede” Campbell

Loretta Jardine Campbell of East Marion, known as Dede, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 29, 2025, of chronic kidney disease, with family by her side. She was 88.

Dede was born June 17, 1936, in New York City to Connie and Francis Jardine. A longtime member of St. Agnes R.C. Church, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered at the ELIH Opportunity Shop in Greenport for over a decade. Some of her favorite things included traveling, golfing, cooking family recipes, gardening and cleaning her home; she always strived to make her house a warm and welcoming place. She was part of the first graduating class from Division Avenue High School in Levittown, N.Y., where she won a homemaking award. Her home was always welcoming to everyone. 

She later pursued a career in nursing, earning her associate degree from Suffolk Community College. She began her career at New York Foundling Hospital before working in the emergency room. She trained as an ER nurse at Eastern Long Island Hospital upon graduating. After several years in the OR, she took the opportunity to be trained at South Nassau to become an operating nurse, where she was successful. Her decision to transition to this role was driven by her desire to spend more time with her family. Later, when she was offered a position as an OR nurse, she embraced it, as it allowed her to create a schedule that prioritized what she loved most: being with her family. 

She is survived by her children, John (Karen), Brian, Lynn and Loretta; her grandchildren, Kyle, Conor John, Brianna, Cailin, Michael and Jacqui; and many nieces and nephews, who were always part of her life. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, and her two brothers, Jimmy and Eddie. 

Visiting hours are scheduled for Friday, April 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport, New York. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport. 

Memorial donations may be made to John’s Place homeless shelter at St. Agnes R.C. Church or to East End Hospice. 

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