Constance Elise “Connie” Campbell, who spent most of her professional career with the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, passed away May 19th following a lengthy illness. The passing of Campbell, who served the bureau for 25 years, lastly as senior sales manager, caused a surge in traffic on the social media, with scores of friends and colleagues writing of her warmly and with feeling as they described a professional who indefatigably promoted New Orleans internationally and was an instantly recognizable figure at trade shows and sales missions abroad. Here is a sampler of what some had to say about her:
“May you rest in peace, dear Connie Campbell. You are the personalization, the definition of a real Southern Belle.”
“Connie always had a big smile and a glow.”
“She was a wonderful mentor and friend.”
“How many of us owe our position in the industry to your mentoring, to your steadiness, to your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise with us? How many of us found our ability to project calm and professionalism by watching you?”
“One of the sweetest human beings I have ever had the pleasure to know and fortunate to be friends with.”
A native of New Orleans, she did such a good job at promoting her city with receptive tour operators, for instance, that she was presented a Chairman’s Award by the Receptive Services Association of America (RSAA) at the organization’s 2012 Stanley Awards, held in New Orleans on February 8, 2012. The award acknowledged Campbell “for exceptional service when working with U.S. receptive tour operators, who are responsible for contracting with overseas tour wholesalers to provide customized travel packages for international visitors.”
Campbell is survived by: her father, Charles Joseph Campbell; her brother, John Mandich Campbell, Sr.; John’s wife, Sheri; and their three children—Anna Sable Campbell, John Mandich “Jack” Campbell II and Grant Joseph Campbell. She is also survived by three half-sisters: Judy Campbell; Heather Keilich (Richard); Ginger Campbell Betz; and brother-in-law and friend, Clyde Betz. As well, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and godson, Connor Landrieu.
Connie was a so fun to be around and just made the world a happier place. She will be greatly missed!
Connie you were wonderful. I feel sad I can never see your smile again.
I can’t believe I’m reading this. I dated Connie for three years in the mid 1990s. I live in San Francisco. This is June 13,2018. Connie died two years ago ,and I’m just finding out. This is my birthday, and I was going to call her. I have many photographs of us ,and her alone . Somebody that knew her well please contact me. I’m in shock this day is destroyed now. She was a great ,and lovely person . So sad to read this. Obit said she had a lengthy illness . How could I not have heard anything . I rememeber when her mom died. Remember all our memories being washed away in Katrina . Someone please contact me .