Evelyn Campbell recently turned 100 years old. Photo by Wyatt Campbell
COMMUNITY News:
As Evelyn Campbell celebrated last week her remarkable 100th birthday, family, friends, and the communities of Los Alamos and beyond are reflecting on a century of achievements, creativity, and kindness from a woman whose legacy has touched so many.
Roots in Nebraska, Wings in New Mexico
Born in Kimball County, Neb., to Leo Dale “Shorty” Wyatt and Thelma Wyatt, Evelyn embodied curiosity, and resilience from an early age. Alongside her siblings — John “Buddy” Wyatt (deceased), Jocelyn Wyatt (deceased) and Richard Wyatt — she forged a strong family bond.
Richard fondly remarks, “She has the rare talent of being an expert weaver, a great mother, and a very nice person.”
Evelyn Campbell
Trailblazer in Science and Education
Evelyn’s academic pursuits led her from Colorado Women’s College (now merged into the University of Denver) in Denver to the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she majored in biochemistry. She was selected for the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver, earning a Bachelor of Science in medical technology — a remarkable accomplishment for a woman in her era.
After marrying Evan Edgar Campbell (deceased) in 1947, the couple moved to Los Alamos in 1953. Evelyn’s career at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) began in 1962 in the molecular biology group, where she contributed to vital research, including the Human Genome Project. Notably, she is listed as co-author on the influential 1979 LANL report, “Potential Microbial Impact on Transuranic Wastes Under Conditions Expected in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.” She retired after 30 years at LANL, leaving a lasting scientific legacy.
A Life Woven with Creativity and Passion
Evelyn’s artistic journey began when her grandmother taught her to sew. Her creative passions expanded over the decades — hat making in the 1950s, jewelry in the 1970s, quilting, and, eventually, tapestry weaving. After retirement, she became an accomplished weaver with the Las Tejedoras Fiber Arts Guild in Northern New Mexico. Her award-winning tapestry, “Sandhill Cranes Over Pajarito Acres”, garnered the American Tapestry Alliance Award for Excellence in Tapestry in 2013. Another work, “Paquime”, was featured in the Las Tejedoras tapestry gallery. Her tapestries have graced the Fuller Lodge Art Center, the Karen Wray Gallery and the Albuquerque International Airport.
Embracing Life’s Adventures—At Any Age
Evelyn’s adventurous spirit is as inspiring as her professional and artistic accomplishments. Though hesitant to swim into her eighties, a good friend taught her, and swimming soon became her cherished regular exercise. She also traveled the world for research and pleasure as a member of the New Mexico History Museum’s Palace of the Governors, led Girl Scouts, and had a love of skiing throughout much of her life.
A Cherished Matriarch
Evelyn’s rich family life includes her children Anne (Campbell) Anderson, James Campbell, and Alan Campbell; grandchildren Ryan Anderson, Lindsey Campbell, Kyle Campbell, Bailey (Campbell) Hogg, and Wyatt Campbell; and great-grandchildren Everett Anderson, Ellie Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, Logan Campbell, Jack Campbell, Bella Campbell, and Everly Campbell.
A Living Legacy
Evelyn’s century-long journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and kindness. Her influence reaches through the scientific and artistic communities and into the hearts of loved ones spanning four generations. As her family and friends gather to celebrate this 100-year milestone, they honor a life well-lived and an example for us all to emulate.
Happy 100th Birthday, Evelyn—a true inspiration.