Obituary of Norma J. Campbell

Norma J. (Spruce) Campbell, age 55, died Monday, June 16, 2008 at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital, Wayne. Mrs. Campbell was born October 5, 1952 in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of the late Ernie and Marion (Storz) Spruce. She lived in Wayne. She was employed by Meadowlands Race Track, Secaucus, NJ as an Executive Assistant. Ms. Campbell moved to New Jersey in 1976, after her father, noted Canadian trainer, Ernie Spruce, moved his stable to race at The Meadowlands. In 1977, Campbell joined the racetracks administrative staff in group sales and special services. She served as an owner liaison, event coordinator and executive assistant through four NJSEA administrations and nearly 30 years, with a combination of efficiency, good taste and grace. Campbell was also the secretary for the Racing Industry Study Commission Task Force created by former Governor Christie Todd Whitman. For her service to harness racing, Campbell was the 2002 recipient of the Van Lennep Award from the Hambletonian Society. Norma had a knack for making every big race special and major events spectacular, said Tom Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society. Everything she did reflected well on our sport. Campbell had a passionate concern for all animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses. She is survived by her mother Marion ( Storz) Spruce, one sister: Kathryn Spruce Thomas and her husband Eddie, one niece, Karen Hillis and her husband Fraser and a nephew, Jon and his wife Sheri Thomas. She was predeceased by her Father, Ernie Spruce. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 from 4-8PM at II Villagio Restaurant, 650 Route 17 North, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (201) 935-7733. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of Wayne Animals,PO Box 3701,Wayne, NJ 07470. Ms. Campbells family may be contacted by writing to her mother, Marion Spruce, 16 Crowlands Drive, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9W 2S4.