Obituary for Mary C. Campbell
After a long and full life, on April 23, 2020, Mary Campbell (nee Harris) “hopped the twig”, as she often called it. She delighted in such light-hearted pragmatism. With an indelible memory and a brilliant sense of humour, poems, limericks and songs were part of her abundant and ever-present repertoire. She was a lady to be reckoned with, part of a fading generation: she entertained with elegance and misbehaved with panache.
Her most treasured times were at her cottage on Clearwater Bay, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether lighting bonfires, playing cards or serving blueberry pie, all who spent time with her there knew her passions.
Mary was sustained throughout her life by a deep and abiding faith. The Church always figured prominently in her life and benefited greatly through her active participation and leadership. Volunteering first at Crescent Fort Rouge and then at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church, she served on the Board at St. Andrew’s numerous times and participated on virtually every committee at least once. She was strongly committed to community service, especially Meals on Wheels, Riding for the Disabled and latterly, Match International (now Equality Fund).
Mary always pursued intellectual interests. She was head-girl at Riverbend, the precursor to Balmoral Hall, and graduated from university with Honours in History. In her late teens, she became an associate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music with first class honours, and thirty years later she went back and obtained her Grade 10 piano a second time. An active sportswoman, Mary sailed competitively for 30 years and rode horses from the age of 11 to 69 and delighted in travelling with friends and family.
She is survived and much beloved by her four children Angus (Diane), Cathy (Dennis), Judy (Kim) and Mary Jo (Pat), her eight grandchildren Robin, Colin, Wendy, Morgan, Jessica, Michael, Jamie and Mary, and her 5 great-grandchildren Sina, Harper, Andrew, Thomas and Vivian. Once the current pandemic recedes, her family invite you to join them to celebrate Mary’s life at St. Andrew’s United Church followed by a reception, details to be advised.
Mary was predeceased by an infant son, Charles, and by her sisters and brother: Caroline, Joan, Dick and Julie.
Her family would especially like to thank Sandra Shaw for the wisdom and support she provided. We would also like to thank the staff at the Wellington and also all those from Community Home Care who made it possible for Mary to stay in her home these past years.
If people so desire, donations can be made to Equality Fund formerly known as Match International Women’s Fund, or United Church Mission and Service Fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Her most treasured times were at her cottage on Clearwater Bay, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether lighting bonfires, playing cards or serving blueberry pie, all who spent time with her there knew her passions.
Mary was sustained throughout her life by a deep and abiding faith. The Church always figured prominently in her life and benefited greatly through her active participation and leadership. Volunteering first at Crescent Fort Rouge and then at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church, she served on the Board at St. Andrew’s numerous times and participated on virtually every committee at least once. She was strongly committed to community service, especially Meals on Wheels, Riding for the Disabled and latterly, Match International (now Equality Fund).
Mary always pursued intellectual interests. She was head-girl at Riverbend, the precursor to Balmoral Hall, and graduated from university with Honours in History. In her late teens, she became an associate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music with first class honours, and thirty years later she went back and obtained her Grade 10 piano a second time. An active sportswoman, Mary sailed competitively for 30 years and rode horses from the age of 11 to 69 and delighted in travelling with friends and family.
She is survived and much beloved by her four children Angus (Diane), Cathy (Dennis), Judy (Kim) and Mary Jo (Pat), her eight grandchildren Robin, Colin, Wendy, Morgan, Jessica, Michael, Jamie and Mary, and her 5 great-grandchildren Sina, Harper, Andrew, Thomas and Vivian. Once the current pandemic recedes, her family invite you to join them to celebrate Mary’s life at St. Andrew’s United Church followed by a reception, details to be advised.
Mary was predeceased by an infant son, Charles, and by her sisters and brother: Caroline, Joan, Dick and Julie.
Her family would especially like to thank Sandra Shaw for the wisdom and support she provided. We would also like to thank the staff at the Wellington and also all those from Community Home Care who made it possible for Mary to stay in her home these past years.
If people so desire, donations can be made to Equality Fund formerly known as Match International Women’s Fund, or United Church Mission and Service Fund or a charity of one’s choice.