Obituary of Barbara Hughes Campbell K.C.

On April 15, 2025, Barbara Hughes Campbell K.C. died peacefully at home, surrounded by her immediate family.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 51 years, Paul, her children Joseph (Laura) of Toronto and Rose (Ben) of Fredericton, as well as her two grandchildren, Grace Barbara Conoley and Hugh Conoley, both of whom are named in her honour. She is also survived by 2 nieces, Spain Fagan (Aidan) of Dublin and Lindsay Hughes, and a nephew, Peter Hughes, both of Fredericton. She was predeceased by her parents, Hon. Charles J.A. Hughes and Edith (Atwater) Hughes, and two brothers, Richard Hughes and David Hughes, Q.C. She was also predeceased by a nephew, Sean Hughes.

Born and raised in Fredericton, Barbara’s natural ability to make friends and light up a room was evident from an early age. Beginning her education at St. Dunstan’s Elementary School and later graduating from Fredericton High School in 1965, Barb maintained many of the close friendships which began during her childhood. Following high school, Barb traveled across Canada and throughout Europe and later earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of New Brunswick. 

Barb and Paul crossed paths unexpectedly in Montreal in 1971, despite both being from Fredericton. They quickly fell in love and moved together to Halifax. They were married in 1973 at Barbara’s childhood home. Seeking adventure and fun, they spent an idyllic year in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, and the Canary Islands in Spain.

Barb and Paul returned to Halifax, where Barbara worked for the federal government for a time before enrolling in Dalhousie University law school in 1978. Their first child, Joseph, arrived in May 1979, at the end of Barb’s first year of study. Following law school graduation, the family returned to Fredericton, where Barb joined the family business, and opened a legal practice alongside her brother David. Rose was born shortly thereafter in 1982.

Barbara practiced law in Fredericton for over 40 years, and was known and respected for her fairness, kindness and steady competence. She brought integrity and compassion to her work, earning the trust of her clients and fellow lawyers alike. Heather Berry, her legal assistant of 38 years, was an invaluable part of the practice, and together, they created a welcoming and supportive environment for clients.

Barb loved to garden, and spent hours tending to her backyard garden, which had been started decades earlier by her own mother Edith and gradually became her own. She was deeply involved in her community, and spent years volunteering with Fredericton Heritage Trust, among other local organizations.

Although Barbara and Paul enjoyed a large social circle, they also had a tight knit group of friends, with whom they traveled across the world and spent time together in the everyday—last minute happy hours and impromptu get togethers. Barb loved to entertain, and their house was often the “go to” for any kind of birthday, anniversary or other type of celebration. Their house parties were legendary.

Barb had the best laugh. She was a bright light who made friends everywhere she went. She had an easygoing and fun personality, and made everyone she met feel seen, heard and valued. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, close friendships, and quiet generosity. Her family and friends will miss her forever.

The family is grateful for the excellent and compassionate medical care she received during the final year of her life, especially from Dr. David Barry, and the staff of the extra mural program.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam’s Funeral Home in Fredericton. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at St. Dunstan’s Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow. For those unable to attend the celebration, a live stream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5081971 Interment will take place at a later date at the Hughes family plot in the Hermitage Cemetery. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Fredericton SPCA, or the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.