Obituary of Edith (Hayford) Campbell

Edith (Hayford) Campbell died peacefully on Monday, November 20, 2017

She was born in Tarrytown, N Y on August 4, 1920, sharing that birthday with her twin sister, Esther and growing in admiration of her older sister, Betty. The three girls were known as the Hayford girls, and their home was a gathering place for fun and laughter inspired by their father Orville Hayford, a popular teacher at Tarrytown High School. Their mother, Lillian, was a skilled seamstress, outfitting the girls as they participating in school, church and community events.

The family vacationed, camping, at Lake Piseco. It was there that Edie met her husband, Frank. He attended Clarkson while she was at Crane School of Music, Potsdam. They married August 4, 1942, four days before he shipped out, where he served in major European battles of World War II. It was with great joy they reunited to begin life in the Schenectady area, where he worked for General Electric.

Edie had an admirable dedication to her family. She cared for her mother in law, her mother, and her aunt, Dorothy Bilyieu Smith. Her support and love for Frank has been an inspiration to many who have known them. Together they enjoyed motorcycles, skiing, golf, music, and traveling to visit family. They sang in the Octavo singers, rehearsing even at home, singing their parts while the record played.
Edie graduated from Crane with a major in trumpet and in education. She taught in Milford, directing the instrumental program. Frank and Edie were founding members of Edison Club where Edie was a scratch golfer. They met with four couples there every Saturday and Edie, as the last remaining, continued this tradition. They enjoyed the company of their boxer dog Alfie, for many years, then becoming supporters of humane animal care.

Edie is survived by her nieces, Klaran Warner, and Edith Grote, her nephews Karl McKusick, Gordon McKusick, and Orville Grote, great nieces and nephews, and beloved cousins. She was a good neighbor, distributing Christmas gifts while wearing a Santa suit. She received grand kindness from her neighbors and from the staff at Glenville Home, for which the family is grateful.

Friends may call at Glenville Funeral Home on Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. There will be a service of remembrance and consecration there, at 4:00. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society.