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Complete obituary, services for Norma Campbell

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June 18, 2008

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Norma Jane Spruce Campbell, well known for her work at the Meadowlands for many years, died June 16 after a brief illness.

Born in Rexdale, Ontario in 1952 to a racing family, Campbell moved to New Jersey in 1976 with her husband, Donald Campbell, after her father, noted Canadian trainer Ernie Spruce, brought his stable south to race at sparking new mile oval of the Meadowlands. She was there for opening night and remembered being overwhelmed by the bright lights and packed grandstand as more than 42,000 people packed the place, parking on the grass and climbing fences to get in.

A year later she was "frontside" in the racing administration office with then-General Manager Bob Quigley, in group sales and special services. Every horseman and owner's event bore her special touch, and every winning owner was given the celebrity treatment.

Starting in 1977, Campbell worked for four administrations at the Meadowlands Racetrack, and was most recently an executive assistant in racing administration. She was also the secretary for Racing Industry Study Commission Task Force created by former governor Christie Todd Whitman.

Campbell's professional manner and skill at resolving problems evolved over a career that encompassed everything from event planning to reward programs for the often overlooked caretakers, owners, drivers and trainers. From breakfast baskets to centerpieces to owner's gifts, her high standards and exquisite taste were reflected in everything she did. The two-dollar bettor and VIP received identical attention and concern no matter the situation.

For her service to the sport, 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 the major events spectacular," said Tom Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society. "Everything she did reflected well on our sport."

In recent years, Campbell was a volunteer for a cat rescue group. She had a passionate concern for all animals, at one time coordinating the capture and neutering of a large number of feral cats that lived on the Meadowlands backstretch.

Campbell was predeceased by her father, Ernie. She is survived by her mother, Marion Spruce of Rexdale, Ontario, her sister Kathryn Spruce Thomas and brother-in-law, Eddie, and beloved niece Karen Hillis (Frazier) and nephew Jon (Sherri) Thomas, as well as her former husband, Donald Campbell.

There will be a celebration of her life on Tuesday, June 24, at Il Villagio Restaurant on Route 17 north in Carlstadt, from 4-8 pm. Those who knew Norma are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, Campbell asked that donations be made in her name to Friends of Wayne Animals, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470. (HRC)

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