Longboat volunteer supports conservation through celebration of life

Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox, a passionate supporter of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, spotlights conservation in her memory.

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. March 24, 2026

Wearing her mother's favorite color, Abby Ferreira, one of Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox's children, raises a glass in memory of her mother on March 21 at Harry's Continental Kitchens with Brian Maddox. He said his late wife wanted a celebration of life that brought together loved ones and friends to smile, share fond memories and show their support for the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, a conservation program she passionately championed.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Cathy Ann Maddox, better known as Cam to many of her friends, formed connections in the Longboat Key community through many passions, including pickleball, her volunteer work with Mote Marine and her appreciation of the island's natural beauty. But one cause she had a particular passion for was the Longboat Key Turtle Watch program.

Maddox's loved ones and fellow volunteers gathered March 21 at Harry's Continental Kitchens to hold a celebration of life in her honor and offer their support to the program.

At the gathering and other recent community events, the turtle watch sold gift baskets curated in memory of her volunteerism. The card on each basket reads, "Cam's passionate commitment to sea turtle education and conservation inspired many others and left an indelible mark on our beaches and in our hearts."

Maddox was born in Iowa. She built a career in nursing and traveled the world, with the Galapagos Islands landing among her favorite destinations. She and her husband, Brian Maddox, made Longboat Key their home later in life. She died on June 26, 2025, at the age of 65.

Longboat Key Turtle Watch President Jeff Driver and board member Tim Thurman thank attendees of Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox's celebration of life for their support of the group's conservation efforts. Maddox was a devoted volunteer with the program.

Family members who spoke at the celebration of life shared stories celebrating her vibrant sense of humor and enduring love for the environment.

Brian Maddox told attendees that his wife was something of a "turtle whisperer" who loved nothing more than patrolling the beaches of the island she loved at daybreak, carefully monitoring the local sea turtle population.

But her devotion to volunteerism wasn't her only laudable trait. She also had a memorable sense of humor, as several speakers described, and she loved nothing more than making her children and grandchildren smile — often while also teaching some life lesson.

Harry's Continental Kitchens General Manager Hal Christensen, right, said the restaurant was honored to serve as the venue for Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox's celebration of life on Longboat Key. Her husband, Brian Maddox, said she wanted loved ones to smile and share memories while also showing their support for the Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

"If you knew Cam, one of the most important things in her life was fun," Brian Maddox said. "This is truly a celebration of life and fun."

Her eldest daughter, Abby Ferreira, and youngest daughter, Anna Pollema, shared some of the life advice they learned from their mother. Those lessons centered on the importance of living life to the fullest and enjoying quality time with family.

"It was a gift to be loved by my mom," Ferreira said. "Her people, you all and us, were her whole world. If you were lucky enough to be in her circle, you knew the warm glow of her passion, her generosity and her wisdom."

Brenda Lee, Enrico “Sam” DiGiammarino, Jr. and Cyndi Seamon attend the March 21 celebration of life for Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox, who volunteered with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

She added, "People gravitated toward her energy. She knew that loving yourself was the path to becoming the best you and encouraged everyone around her to nurture their gifts and forgive their faults."

Pollema said one of the most valuable lessons she carries forward is to find the fun in even the most mundane moments, a sentiment Cam's youngest brother, Ken, seconded.

Brian Maddox concluded his remarks with a note from Cam that read, "Lead a good life, not a good-looking life."

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.