Deborah Terry Howell Campbell

SLINGERLANDS – Deborah Terry Howell Campbell, 82, of Slingerlands, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Born in Utica on May 28, 1942, Debbie was the daughter of John Howell and Carolyn Cone Howell. She spent her childhood between Rockland County and New York City, and could always be found at the nearest stable, as her great passion in life was horses. Debbie graduated from Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill School (now, Stoneleigh-Burnham) and attended art school in New York City, where she studied drawing and painting. She was employed by American Airlines, which allowed her to travel the world. In later years, she worked for New York State.

On May 11, 1968, Debbie married Colin FitzJames Campbell. Together, they built a farm in Petersburg, New York, where they kept horses, ponies and sheep. Debbie and Colin had one child, and made sure their daughter, Cecelia, had a pony almost as soon as she could walk. During their years in the country, Debbie was active in 4H and Pony Club, and loved nothing better than educating another generation in proper horsemanship.

In the late 1980s, when health challenges made it impossible for Debbie to run the farm, she and Colin relocated to Albany, where they purchased the historic Walley's Farm House on New Scotland Avenue and made it their home until 2014, when they moved to Beverwyck in Slingerlands.

Deborah's other great interests included cooking--typically in the style of Julia Child--and collecting ancient jade carvings. She adored dogs, and fostered quite a few for Green Mountain Pug Rescue. She also was a longtime member of Junior Friday Morning Club.

Deborah was predeceased by her husband Colin. She is survived by her daughter Cecelia Catherine Campbell Byers (James “Jazz”) of Pittsburgh, PA; and her brother-in-law Ian Grey Campbell of Slingerlands.

Thanks and gratitude to Barbara and Aaron Quant for the special care they gave Colin and Debbie during the last few years.

There will be no calling hours. Debbie and Colin were longtime members at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. A private inurnment service will be held in the Cathedral. A memorial celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at the Beverwyck on May 3, 2025 starting at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Green Mountain Pug Rescue www.gmpr.org or Mohawk Hudson Humane Society www.mohawkhumane.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.