Mary E. Campion
Thursday, June 6, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Age:
88 years old
Thursday, June 6, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Age:
88 years old
Thursday, June 6, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Age:
88 years old
Mary E. Campion
Mary Elizabeth Campion, 88 of Rochester, passed away on December 17, 2023, at Edenbrook Nursing care.
Mary was born on June 6, 1935, in Lake City, MN to Dr. Martin and Mary (Tuohy) Campion. She attended McCahill Catholic Grade School in Lake City until her senior year, when the school closed. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. She attended Saint Teresa’s College of Nursing in Winona, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, 1961. She then attended the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, obtaining a certificate in Public Health. She graduated from Boston University with a Masters of Science degree in 1968 and later graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Public Health, 1975. In 1984, she attended the College of St. Catherine and earned certification as an adult Nurse Practitioner. Mary worked for Olmsted County and the Minnesota Health Department, Harvard School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and was the Assistant Director of Nursing for Veterans Administration in Minneapolis. She also taught. She taught in the nursing programs at both Saint Teresa’s College and the U of M. Mary moved to Rochester in 1985 to live with her sister Jane Campion. She spent the rest of her career at the Mayo Clinic in Health Sciences Research until her retirement in 1998. Later, she returned to work as a consultant in Research, working for an additional five years at the Mayo Clinic. Mary was a faith filled, kind woman who lived a life of service and was a leader for goodness. She was a light in her community, caring more for others than herself. She had a twinkle in her eye, was very outgoing, and had a story to match any conversation. She was ahead of her time in her thinking throughout her working career. Mary was humble about her many accomplishments. She loved history and her drives around Rochester with her sister. Mary’s favorite spots to see were Silver Lake and the Mayowood Homestead. She was especially fond of seeing these sights in the springtime when the flowers were blossoming everywhere. Mary left her mark on the hearts of so many and will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace.
She is survived by her sister and best friend Jane K. Campion, her sister-in-law Betty Campion, nieces and nephews: Kevin (Betsy) Campion, Steve (Kristine) Campion, Anne (Tom) Valentine, Jane (Tom) Coleman and Connee Campion.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bob and Bill, and her nephew Michael Campion.
The Memorial Mass for Mary will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Private burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Lake City, MN.
Memorials are preferred to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Ronald McDonald House, Mayo Hospice, or donor’s choice.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Mary E. Campion has received the following condolences.
Dear Jane and family,
Sending my most sincere condolences upon learning of Mary’s death. I first met Mary when we were faculty at the College of Saint Teresa and remained respectful colleagues and friends as we both moved onto other roles. You, Jane, are in my prayers as you negotiate life without Mary. Knowing Our Lord’s light shines brightly upon her. Hoping your memories bring you comfort.
sincerely, Mary Ellen Grobe
My deepest condolences to you Jane and family! Mary was an amazing person, always giving, always caring and she had such a wonderful sense of humor! I worked with her a few years at Mayo and kept in touch with lunches and chats in the hallways (no one was ever to be out of their chair, let alone dawdling in the hallways)! Mary always made me smile and I always parted feeling cared for and blessed. Hugs to all of you!
I have such fond memories of Mary. She and I were colleagues at Mayo but she was my mentor and huge support to Mayo nurses and research endeavors. She was eager to take nurses under her wing --she was also a special friend , always interested in our personal lives. She will be missed.
Mary, so glad our paths crossed over the years. You were always interested in my family and were genuine in guiding and offering advice.
You made our world better in so many ways.
Thank you Mary!
Teresa
Dear Jane and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Mary was a loving friend you could never forget--her laugh, her twinkle, her deep caring. I feel heartbroken at the loss of Mary, my dearest friend for almost 60 years. We met in Ecuador, lived together in Boston, were best friends in Maryland and continued our friendship over the years, finding ways to meet, traveled to Canada together to see good friend Martha 17 years ago, and more recently, spoke on the phone almost monthly. As young women we grew together and she will always be one of the most important persons in my life. For that I am blessed. She shared her many gifts and laughter with so many, and I know will be greatly missed. My Husband Lee and I are thinking of you and praying for you and your family. With love, Elaine
I’m so saddened to see Mary passed. She was such a remarkable woman so full of enery, humor and love. I enjoyed her so whenever I would meet her no matter where. She’s an agel for sure.
Mary was a blessing to my life. Her energy, humor, and wisdom often made my day. Mary showed so much grace and kindness to those she was with, and those she did not know. I cherished our lunches and learned so much from her.
Mary was a lovely lady and I was privileged to know of her tremendous generosity and kindness earlier in my career.
Julie and I extend our condolences to Jane and the entire Campion family.
Bill Lower
Rochester, MN
Dear Jane
Our family will miss Mary. She and you have been a part of our family since the early 1970's. Mary and you joined us for so many special occasions and you made them more meaningful by your presence. Our children's first communions and confirmation were blessed by the two of you joining us in celebration. Our Christmas celebrations would have been incomplete without the two of you. Our family will always remember Mary in a special way as celebrate her joining the Lord after making this world a better place.
With love, - Al Pertuz
Jane,I'm so sorry to hear the news regarding your sister's passing. I know you were close friends along with being siblings so my thoughts are with you and the rest of your family. Mary will be in my thoughts and prayers as will you. Rest in peace Mary.
I frequently saw Mary and Jane together (often at the "Honker") and they were so happy to see us (my son Andy and I). Mary was a joy to be around. My condolences to Jane and other friends and relatives.
Arne Fockler
Dear Jane, We have both lost a dear sister since before the new year began. I remember seeing the two of you in the back of Lourdes Chapel when Covid-19 was not raging and people could get into our building. I just want you to know that you are both remembered by me., even though I saw you seldom and was not even in Rochester for most of the past twenty years. You remembered my twin, Jean Zamboni, who went to Heaven more than six months ago. Now our sisters are together, praising the God we have all loved all our lives. Peace to you, Jane. Love, Edith
I have such fond memories of dearest Mary. She was so much help and support with my work with the nursing homes. I cherished our many conversations.
i pray for you Jane with this tremendous loss.
RIP dearest Mary??
Dear Jane and Family -
I was heart broken learning of Mary's passing. Like you, Jane, Mary brought so much joy to so many. What great role models...kind, caring, advocating, volunteering and so much more. Rochester is a better place to live, work, learn and play because of the two of you. I'll be forever grateful that I had the pleasure to learn from and serve with the Campion sisters. In thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy.
Dear Jane, So sad to hear of the loss of your sister Mary. I first met the two of you at The Silver Crane at Apache Mall, you and Mary were always a joy to talk with and special. Later when Ann and I had a weekend place and boat in Wabasha we met when you had your Condo there and then again when I worked at Carousel Floral. I also had the pleasure of meeting your brother for coffee in Lake City. Wonderful memories, know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely Dale Nelson
Jane, I was sad to read today that Mary had passed. I remember her so fondly. I always watched for her when I walked the subways, hoping for a chance to see and catch up with her. She always asked about my girls, though she may have met them only once--we met her at the bookstore and she was so happy to gift them each with a special book. I will miss her friendship and these chance meetings. She was so kind & caring, and had a great joy & passion for life, her family/friends and her work. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Dear Jane & family,
My sincere sympathies for your loss of a very special person. I had the pleasure of working with Mary at Mayo & learned so much from her about so many topics - professionalism, faith, family & fun. She was a multi-faceted individual & all who interacted with her - briefly or longer - were touched in a positive way. Peace to you during this time, Karen
Dear Jane,
We are really sorry to hear about your beloved sister Mary passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Hope the beautiful memories you have of Mary will comfort you during this very difficult time. We know that you will always carry in your heart the great bond you had with Mary.
Love and warm hugs of comfort.
Patrick, Janine, Marielle and Amika Kamath
My sympathies to the family of Mary. She was my research faculty at the College of St Teresa so many years ago. I still remember her class. She introduced the class by saying- “welcome to research, the real world of nursing”. We all laughed because we had no idea about research at the time. Research was not one of our favorite classes, and she knew it. Her class was wonderful and I learned so much. Thanks Mary, for making the class memorable! Rest in Peace
My deepest sympathy to you, Jane, and your family. Mary was such a warm, gracious, intelligent and compassionate person. She was very kind and had a unique sparkle! Blessings to you and all who share in the celebration of her life!
Margie
Oh I am so sad to read of Mary’s passing. I had such wonderful times eating lunch with her in the DAHLC cafeteria. And I have a treasured copy of the St Teresa prayer that she so generously gave me years ago. We will miss her a great deal!
To the family of Mary Campion. I am sending this note online, as I don't have a mailing address for you, Jane. My Mom, Mary Zahasky, would think this is not proper and I would agree.
With that being said, I send my sympathies to her family on the loss of this very special person. I respect and honor the legacy Mary has left in her chosen profession of nursing. She was a mentor and role model to countless who now carry on her work. But she will be most remembered for her kindness to everyone she met, friend or stranger. The world is a little less, now that she is an angel. May she rest in the everlasting love of our Lord.
With deepest respect,
Katie Zahasky
Mary surely was a light! She was always welcoming, warm, and witty! She was interested in so many things and shared her wisdom. I am better for knowing her. Love to you, Jane! My sympathies to you and your family. ~ Stacey
Dear Jane and family,
I am thinking of you as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Mary. She was a bright, kind and joyful person. May your countless positive memories of her bring you joy in your time of loss.