Family of Yvonne Campbell donates bench in her memory

RUMFORD -- Yvonne Turbide Campbell was a Rumford Hospital nurse for 45 years.

When she died in June of 2010, her family decided that a fitting memorial for her would be something at Rumford Hospital. They selected a granite bench and commissioned its engraving. The memorial bench now sits in the entrance to the Emergency Department where it sees daily use.

“My mother wouldn’t have wanted the bench,” says Paula Voter, Campbell’s only daughter. “She was so reserved she didn’t even want an obituary printed.”

But family members were determined to remember Campbell at the hospital to which she was so dedicated. Her sister, Julie Chiasson, and niece, Gail Dorr and her husband, James took charge of organizing the tribute.

Campbell graduated from the Rumford Hospital School of Nursing in 1949 and immediately began her nursing career at the hospital where she retired in 1994. She routinely worked the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift on the Medical Floor, which allowed her to sleep while her five children were at school and be with them when they were home in the afternoon.

Joette Carlton, now the Birthing Center manager, remembers Yvonne Campbell well.

“She was my mentor. I was in my twenties and scared to death as a new nurse. She was always willing to teach and share her wealth of knowledge. I admired her strength and her ability to calm patients’ anxiety. One night, we were overwhelmed with admissions yet she kept everything organized. At the end of the shift, she took the time to sit down with me and tell me that I was a good nurse and not to give up. I was so thankful to her for that night. I will never forget that night.”

Paula Voter followed her mother to Rumford Hospital where she is the Dietary Department Manager. Working at Rumford Hospital is something of a family tradition Voter notes.

“My grandmother worked here as a baker from 1943 to 1955; my aunt also worked here and two of my brothers worked here when they were in high school.”

Altogether at least one of Yvonne Campbell’s family members has been at Rumford Hospital for 68 consecutive years.

Donated bench Photo:

Showing off the Yvonne Turbide Campbell memorial bench in the Emergency Department Entrance of Rumford Hospital are, from left, Campbell’s daughter, Paula Voter, her sister, Julie Chiasson and niece, Gail Dorr.