Former Festival of Arts artist and Laguna Beach resident Lu Campbell passed away on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, at home with her husband, John, and daughter Darcy by her side. Campbell had been fighting lung cancer since 2007.
Lu was born in Whittier, Calif., on Feb. 19, 1932, to Harold and Marion Weaver. Her given name was Zella Ivalu Weaver, after her two aunts. Her family moved to Scotia, Calif., where she attended Fortuna High School and when she changed her name to Lu.
She graduated from San Jose State University in 1956, where she received a bachelor of arts in interior design. She moved to Laguna Beach in 1960 with her late ex-husband Tom Murphine, former editor of The Daily Pilot newspaper, and their three children, Tommy, Matt and Darcy.
She studied ceramics under Romona Gilbrait, William O. Payne, Wallace Parker and Howard Warner at Orange Coast College. Her ceramic work was displayed at the campus and in galleries in her hometown. From 1963 to 1978, Lu showcased her pottery at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach.
Lu met husband-to-be John Campbell at a wedding on Swallow’s Day, March 19, 1977, and afterwards shared a drink at the Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano. They married a little more than a year later in Laguna Beach at the Methodist Church.
At the time, John worked in insurance and Lu in real estate while establishing herself as an artist. They seemed like an unlikely pair with an age difference of 18 years, but their relationship has the admiration of many of their friends. Every year for 36 years on Swallow’s Day, Lu and John returned to the Swallows Inn in celebration of the fateful day they met.
During a remodel of their home in 1985, Lu made the difficult decision to give away all her ceramic supplies, including her kiln. She soon missed creating art, but discovered her natural talent for painting. In 1990, her works were accepted for the prestigious exhibits of Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society, where she was a signature member and served on its board. Her award-winning paintings also were exhibited in the Festival of Arts from 1994 to 2011. Her hope was “to capture human moments and translate them into paintings with light, color, and shapes that resonated with the viewer.”
Campbell also enjoyed biking, golfing and softball and traveling with John, visiting over 35 countries. She was the most passionate about Italy, where the couple purchased a home. Its culture influenced her artwork. She was also committed to improving Laguna and served on the city’s original Board of Adjustment / Design Review Board.
Campbell will be remembered for her infectious laugh, quick smile, brightness, kindness and enthusiasm for life.
She is survived by her husband John Campbell, son Tom Murphine and daughter Darcy Murphine, two grandchildren Seth and Melia Murphine and great grandson Marcus Murphine. Campbell was pre-deceased by son Matt Murphine.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 Saint Ann’s Dr. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Laguna Beach Rotary Club Foundation in Lu Campbell’s name.
