Judith Ann Itschner Campbell passed away on April 27, 2022. Judith (Judi) was born on July 14, 1945, to Arthur and Rosalie Itschner. She met her late husband Richard L. Campbell in San Antonio, and they married on August 13, 1966. Together they raised three daughters, Rory, Nicole, and Cristina.
Growing up in San Antonio, Judi attended Blessed Sacrament School where she graduated in 1963. Throughout her life, Judi was devoted to her Catholic upbringing, often praying the rosary each night. Judi was an accomplished dancer, performing across San Antonio in numerous recitals and with local traveling productions. Her proudest performance was her role in South Pacific. Her favorite discipline was classical ballet, and her talents would lead to a feature article in the San Antonio Light newspaper highlighting her incredible gift.
Judi was incredibly tied to her Italian roots and made sure that her children and grandchildren understood the power of the past and the lessons it could teach us for the present. School and community involvement came naturally to her, and she championed both people and causes with all her heart and voice. She was the mom of all moms, and her involvement in her daughters’ schools and extracurricular activities was a constant.
As a child, Judi spent her summers in Rockport, Texas with her parents and sisters. She carried on that tradition when she created a family of her own, traveling each summer to the city that created peace in her soul. When her grandchildren were born, she shared the importance and family history of Rockport with them, and the annual trips continued. Her last trip there happened over Easter this year, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. Throughout her life, it was in Rockport that she felt the happiest.
Judi had an undeniable passion for the love and protection of all things related to nature, the environment, and animals of every kind. She was blessed in life to be loved by many dogs and cats, and a few fortunate goldfish. She was passionate about saving animals, and generously supported Austin Wildlife Rescue. She appreciated the important work they do and was grateful for the opportunity to join them as they released rehabilitated animals back into the wild.
Another of Judi’s passions was music. She loved listening to jazz and loved to sing, especially to her favorite artist, James Taylor. Two of his songs particularly resonated with Judi. “Shower the People” was her favorite because it reminded her that showing kindness and love to one another makes the world a better place. Her other favorite was “Mean Old Man”, a nod to her grandchildren and the way they gave her life new meaning, a life full of joy and love unlike any she had ever experienced. Her grandchildren were the most important people in her life, and she showered them with her unique spirit, her undeniable humor, and unconditional love.
Judi is preceded in death by her husband Richard Campbell, her parents Rosalie and Arthur Itschner, her baby sister and best friend Deborah Lane, and her older sister Barbara Lansford. She is survived by her daughters: Rory (Lise Harding) Campbell, Nicole (Glen) Huschka, and Cristina (Nathan) Martinka; her grandchildren: Nicolas, Kennedy, Emilie, Noah, and Andrew; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Judi will be interred at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. Her remains will be scattered in her beloved Rockport and in Italy. Services will be held in St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Please join us as we celebrate Judi’s life. A luncheon will be held immediately following in Huffman Hall. In lieu of flowers, please honor Judi by donating to Austin Wildlife Rescue.
