Patricia Jean (nee Biškupic) Campbell, retired Wayne County Probate Court Judge, passed away peacefully with family at her side on August 12, 2020, predeceased by her husband Donald Alexander Campbell (1933-2000), an attorney for Wayne County.
With support from her husband, children, and many friends, Campbell embarked on a legal career, a trailblazer for her time. She obtained a law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1975. Her first full-time legal position was as an assistant prosecutor for Wayne County. Her commitment to Detroit youth earned her the position of referee in Wayne County Juvenile Court. In 1990, she ran for and won a seat on Wayne County Probate Court gaining publicity and admiration for her innovative campaign.
Campbell is survived by her eight children: Bruce (Anne Marie Langan), Diane (Scott Salter), Carole (David Rhoadarmer), Paula (the late James Kelly), Donald (Sheri Ann Pawlak), Craig (Sarah Chastain), Leslie (Stephen Barker), and Rosanne (Jon Nadenichek). Patricia was grandmother to 18 – Michael (1994), Katherine, Patrick, Jacob, Hazen, Ella, Muriel, John (Jack), Luke, Campbell, Caroline, Madeline, Ian, Malcolm, Joseph, Edward, Cade, and Lydia.
Due to current restrictions on gathering, a memorial in her honor is being planned for May 2021. For those who would like to notified of final plans, send an email to great88@nadenichek.com noting their connection to Campbell. Regarding donations, she supported the mission of the Pope Francis Center.
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Joseph L. Hardig Jr.
Joseph L. Hardig Jr. died May 14 at age 92.
Hardig served as the 43rd president of the State Bar of Michigan from 1977 to 1978. A 1977 Michigan Bar Journal feature introducing him as president described him as a “perfectionist for preparation with an enormous capacity for detail” and also highlighted his demeanor.
“Politeness and tact come naturally. To those ingredients add perspective, good judgment, sensitivity, refinement and the gentlemanly quality of making other people feel at ease,” the Journal noted.
Before serving as State Bar president, Hardig was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 1969 and he also chaired several committees.
Hardig, who focused on litigation, corporate law, and family law, was a Fellow with the American College of Trial Lawyers (State Chairman 1993–1994) and involved with the American Bar Association (Delegate to House of Delegates,
1977–1989).
He was the father of five children: Lori Nolan (Chris), Joseph L. Hardig III (Sara), Amy Lydy (David), Susan Reasoner (Barrett), and Jennifer Hardig-Kolp (Chris Dillaway); grandfather of 16 grandchildren; and brother of the late Carolyn Harte (the late Houston).
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
