Marion V. Campbell

Marion Vera Campbell, a legend in her own right, passed away peacefully at Sunrise of Leawood on January 21, 2020 at age 92. Everyone will remember her as “La Reina” (The Queen), as she loved to be called, and she lived up to every aspect of that nickname with her quintessential class and grace. She was the epitome of glamour in her sharp suits, sparkling jewelry and perfectly coiffed hair. She also loved to give advice--whether you asked for it or not and even if she just met you--on everything from hairstyles to relationships, but her infectious personality and zest for life won her many friends over the years.

Marion was born on March 22, 1927 in Berlin, Germany to Friedrich and Adele Ross. She moved with her family to Barcelona, Spain at a very young age, until they were forced to flee the country during the Spanish Civil War. They retreated to Germany for several years, but with WWII on the horizon, they eventually returned to Barcelona. She lived there until she met the love of her life, Bill, on the beach in Spain, when she asked him for the time. She loved telling the story of her journey to the U.S. on an Italian cruise ship and how when she arrived in New York to meet Bill, he saw her passport and realized she was four years older than she had told him. Luckily all was forgiven, and they spent 64 wonderful years together.

Marion was proud of her European heritage and being trilingual. Not only did she speak German and Spanish, but she learned English as well when she worked as a nanny in London in her twenties. When she returned to Barcelona, she worked as a translator and even had a job translating for a famous Hollywood actor. Once she was settled in the U.S., she put all of her language skills to use and became a Spanish teacher. She taught Spanish out of her home for more than 30 years, partnered with The Royals to teach Hispanic players English and worked with many businesses teaching Spanish to their employees. She loved meeting new people and getting to know her students on a personal level.

Marion had a passion for life and loved to have fun. She wanted to celebrate life and made sure to live hers to the fullest. She always said she didn’t want to be buried with her money, so she liked watching her family enjoy it! She was the “queen” of giving and her children always came first. She loved going to Maui and taking her whole family with her. She loved the beach and sunbathing. She also loved her trips to Barcelona to see her family.

Marion’s other favorite pastimes were shopping, eating dessert, and dining on the Country Club Plaza! Having grown up during wars and always having to wear her older sister’s hand-me-downs, she enjoyed buying pretty frocks for herself, her children and her grandchildren. She wanted everyone to be the best dressed and look beautiful! She also had the biggest sweet tooth and introduced her family to one of their favorites, which she would cook and called her “churritos!” When the weekend came, however, she was ready to go out, and she and Bill enjoyed going to their favorite restaurants on The Plaza. She loved The Plaza and its Spanish architecture and its sisterhood to Seville, Spain.

Marion was a loving, caring, devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband William Campbell, her two daughters and sons-in-law, Carmen (Mike) Sambursky and Karyn (Casey) Lewis, her grandchildren Candice, Cristina, Deryk, Brett and Krista, plus 4 great-grandchildren and her sister Margarita Müller. She also leaves behind extended family in Spain and many friends who will sadly miss her.

Her family will always remember her singing and dancing to La Bamba, playing the castanets, singing German songs, and doing her version of the WOODEN soldier. She made us all laugh! We will never forget our OMA. She always made an impression wherever she went and has a lifelong place in our hearts.

There will be a private family service but please join us in a celebration of her life at André’s, 5018 Main St., Kansas City MO., Friday, January 31st from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.

There will be a private family service but please join us in a celebration of her life at André’s, 5018 Main St., Kansas City MO., Friday, January 31st from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.