Mary E Campbell
August 2, 1924 ~ March 17, 2018
South Portland- Mary Elizabeth Campbell, 93, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2018, in South Portland.
Mary was a remarkable, upbeat, and strong woman, who raised five sons on her own after her husband Wallace died unexpectedly in 1971. She created and shared a lifetime of wonderful moments and memories with her entire family.
Mary was born on Aug. 2, 1924, in Portland, the daughter of Patrick and Mary Murphy. She grew up on Munjoy Hill with her five brothers and sister; and graduated from Portland High School in 1942.
In 1951, Mary married Wallace "Ozzie" Campbell of Portland. Mary and Wallace had five sons - James, John, Robert, Richard, and Stephen. When Wallace died, Mary went back to work at the main office of Shaw's Supermarket to help pay the bills and put her sons through school and college. Earlier, Mary worked at the Boston and Maine Railroad and for Catholic Charities.
Mary loved long walks at Bug Light in South Portland, almost anything Irish, watching Red Sox games, eating lobster rolls and Italian sandwiches, and all sweets. She also was known to have a glass of Pinot Grigio or two on occasion.
Mary loved her neighbors in South Portland and her house, especially her front porch, where she would rock and chat with neighbors. She always looked forward to her get-togethers with her friend, Danielle Chasse Roy. She relished rides through her beloved Munjoy Hill. Just a few years ago, Mary threw out the first ball at the Portland Sea Dogs game.
The Campbell family would like to thank Mary Murphy and the entire team at the South Portland Nursing Home for giving Mary such exceptional care.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Wallace J. Campbell Jr.; one sister, Katherine Theresa Murphy; five brothers, Joseph, James, Martin, Thomas, and John Murphy. She is survived by five sons, James E. Campbell and his wife Susan Porter of Peaks Island, John S. and his wife Nancy Campbell of Falmouth, Robert J. and his wife Debra Campbell of MA, Richard G. and his wife Jane Campbell of South Portland, and Stephen W. Campbell of VA; seven grandchildren, Julianna, Isabelle, Kevin, Bridget, Brian, Paige, and Greer; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours and celebration of Mary's life will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the chapel at 10:15am on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 followed by a 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. To view Mary's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Those who wish may make contributions in Mary's memory to: Greater Portland Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098
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Steve and the Campbell Clan,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, but good choice on her part for an ideal departure date.
She was a real gem.
Peter Flaherty
– Peter Flaherty
Steve and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We feel so fortunate to have known Mary for so long and for having so many fun memories. A recent fun memory is the sign your mother wore to my father’s 80th birthday celebration, essentially making fun of his “youth”. A few years ago, we all sat outside and had a long lunch on the water in South Portland. Dan sat next to Mary, and the two of them talked about everything under the sun. When we left the restaurant, Dan talked about Mary non-stop. A long ago memory is a bad snow storm in the early 80’s. I was getting off my shift at Shaws, prepared to walk home. Mary happened to be in the store and would have none of that. There were white-out conditions, and she insisted on driving me home. I’ll never forget the sight of her big white knitted mittens navigating the steering wheel, her face nearly pressed against the glass of the windshield. She was my hero that day. She was no-nonsense, brave, and kind. We are so sorry for your loss. We treasure many memories. May yours sustain you. Love, Karen and Dan Cribby
– Karen Clancy-Cribby
i was so sorry that Mary passed away.
Kristen Tully
– kristen tully
Mary was a rare and remarkable person, so kind and loving and a joy to be around. I’m grateful to have known her, and to have so many wonderful memories. I will miss seeing her.
Peter Mills
– Peter Mills
We will miss you!
– Nancy Campbell
How fitting that Mary would leave her much loved family on St. Patrick’s Day. I will always remember Mary as the wonderful woman she was. We spent many years, working side by side, in the Shaw’s Main Office. Mary never spoke an unkind word about anyone and was always a joy to be with. She was always praying for her children. 🙂
We and many of our “Shaw’s friends” shared many happy times after Mary’s retirement. Mary lived a very active life and would say she said she did not know how she ever had time to work.
We will all miss you, friend, but know you are surrounded by the peace and love you so deserve.
Evelyn Brissette
– Evelyn Brissette
Mary was a wonderful, warm, lady with a great sense of humor. During our college days, I have especially fond memories of sneaking into her house with John after a long night of partying trying not to disturb her.
She will be sorely missed!
Schreibs
– Jeff Schreiber