Nelly Antonia Richards Campero

Nelly Antonia Richards Campero, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by courage, generosity, and unwavering love for her family, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. She will truly be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Nelly’s beautiful story began when she was born on June 13, 1929, in La Paz, Bolivia, to parents John Joseph Richards and Matilde Alvarez.  After growing up in Bolivia and being a champion runner, winning countless medals and setting records for Bolivia then going through nurse’s training, Nelly embarked on a remarkable journey at a young age. In 1952, with just $13 in her pocket, an English dictionary and a nursing scholarship, she emigrated to the United States alone on a voyage by bus, plane and ship.  She traveled over the ocean and through the Panama Canal on an Italian Cruise Liner called Antonieto Uso di Mari, where she landed in Miami.  Nelly studied nursing in New Jersey and after graduating as valedictorian, she later married the love of her life, Ricardo Miguel Campero in 1958, after he emigrated to the United States from Bolivia.  Together they built a life filled with joy, shared passions and hard work to create the ‘American Dream” for their family.

Nelly dedicated her career to caring for others, retiring as a Registered Nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Beyond her professional life, she served her community in meaningful ways, including as a Head Start teacher, helping underprivileged children prepare for elementary school, as a Hospice Volunteer and at their Church as a Eucharistic Minister.

Nelly and Ricardo raised their family in Knoxville, Iowa, where they formed lasting friendships and were active members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Known for their vibrant spirit and love of dancing—especially traditional Bolivian dances—they delighted audiences by performing at local school events and other events in their community.

Nelly’s legacy of compassion extended far beyond her immediate family. She personally sponsored and assisted her five siblings, her mother and stepfather, her husband, and her brother-in-law in immigrating to the United States. Through her tireless efforts, more than 44 people either emigrated or were born in America as a result, including multiple doctors, attorneys, teachers, social workers, and other productive citizens whose successes trace back to Nelly’s journey  and selfless support.

In 2019, Nelly and Ricardo moved to Maryland to live with their daughter, Mary, and her family. Where they enjoyed going for walks, and sharing their Bolivian culture with family and friends through dancing and cooking Bolivian food.  In 2020 her beloved Ricardo went to heaven to be with our Lord and in 2022, as her dementia progressed, Nelly moved to Fenwick Landing Assisted Living Facility where she was loved and well cared for.

Nelly is preceded in death by her parents, John Joseph and Matilde Alvarez Richards; her sisters Betty Richards and Mary Osuji; her brother Willie Richards; her stepfather, Rafael Silvetti; and her beloved husband, Ricardo Miguel Campero.

Nelly is survived by her siblings: Dr. George Richards; Dr. Carlos Richards (Aida); Adela Leon (Jorge), two children Michael John Campero (Barbara) of Iowa City, Iowa, and Mary Campero Berkley (Bruce) of Owings, Maryland;  and three adoring grandchildren: Gabriela Berkley, Grant Berkley, and Katie (Berkley) Johnson (Dallas); and two great-grandchildren: Harper Rose Johnson and soon to be born Hudson Grant Johnson.

Nelly’s life was a testament to living the “American Dream” and to resilience, family, and community. Her warmth, kindness, and enduring impact will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be greatly missed.

The services for Nelly will be livestreamed on Jesus the Good Shepherd’s YouTube page at the following link https://www.youtube.com/@ccjgs