Julia Elizabeth Campbell

Julia Elizabeth Campbell (née Tranter) passed away peacefully in Ottawa on April 25, 2024, with family by her side. Predeceased by her darling parents, Bill and Lorna Tranter, her loving brother, David and her cherished best friend of 40 years, Charlotte Jones. Beloved mother of Meghan (Daniel) and Alex (Leslie). Precious grandmother of Ruby, Ezra, Liam, and Charlie. Dear sister of John (Janet). Lovely aunt of Shane (Jessie), Ryan (Amy) and Scott (Monica) and great-aunt of Stella, Sophia, Emma, Chloe, Liam, Dylan, Bailey and Denali. She is lovingly remembered by Ron Green, a long-time family friend of the Tranters. She will also be missed by many extended family on the Lambert and Tranter side, loving friends, and her sweet cat, Mushka.

Julia’s parents, Bill and Lorna, were both from the Niagara region. Her maternal grandparents, Roland and Ethel Lambert, had a vineyard in Virgil which was passed on to her uncles J.R. and Bruce. Lambert Farms continues to be run today by Josee, wife of Bruce’s late son David, and their son Daniel. Julia’s paternal grandparents, Gus and Priscilla Tranter, ran a barbershop in Niagara-on-the-Lake for many years.

Born in Kirkland Lake on July 26, 1949, Julia’s family moved frequently throughout Ontario as her father was a banker. From a young age, Julia was drawn to music and loved learning to play the piano, becoming a gifted pianist. Julia spent many years of her upbringing in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where she eventually raised her own young family. She was married to John Campbell from Fredericton for 13 years. Julia remained close with many of her friends from her treasured years in the Maritimes. Julia eventually settled in Ottawa, where she spent her last 30 years to be near her children, Meghan and Alex and their families whom she adored. As a mom and grandmother, her love was unconditional. ❤️

Julia received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of New Brunswick. She dedicated her career to music education and was a much-loved and enthusiastic piano teacher in the Ottawa area. She touched the lives of many children (and their families) whom she had the pleasure to teach through the years. She had been retired prior to her passing.

In 2013, Julia raised awareness about safety concerns with a popular crossing and leisure spot on the Rideau River along Strathcona Park, in her former neighborhood. Julia advocated for proper signage to be implemented in that area after two teenagers were fortunately rescued by bystanders. There are now well-marked warning signs that will save lives.

Julia was truly a beautiful woman. She was a free spirit with a warm and bubbly personality. A generous giver of heartfelt compliments, she knew how to make people feel special and included. Always ready to say a kind word to someone who needed it. Keenly intelligent, she possessed a great sense of humour. She loved to reminisce about the meaningful time she spent in Greece as a young woman. Her happy place was playing the piano and spending time with her grandchildren. Some of her favourite things were literature and poetry, good music, collecting art, long walks, gardening, sudoku, chocolate, and laughing. Her capacity for laughter and enthusiasm are some of our favourite things about her.

Mom knew pain and struggle in her life and her humanness was a part of that. She connected with the struggles of others, which was a core strength. Through hard times she would hold onto acts of kindness and would pass them forward. The world needs more encouragers, and Julia was one of them. She was deeply loved and will be missed.

In accordance with Julia’s wishes, cremation has taken place. An internment with family will occur at a later date in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Please consider a donation in her memory to Operation Smile Canada.