Mary Campbell

Mary Elizabeth Rusk Campbell died in her home in Laurel, MD on March 28, 2024. Born in Haddonfield, NJ, in 1943 to Elizabeth Moore and Stanley Whitten Rusk, Jr., Mary was the beloved little sister of Whit and Gwen. Mary earned her teaching degree from Hood College in Frederick, MD, where she was set up on a blind date with Scot Campbell, who was on active duty at nearby Fort Detrick and whom she would marry. Mary and Scot soon started a family and had three children. Family was the most important thing in her life; she adored being a mother, aunt, and grandmother. Her grandsons loved how Nana made the holidays super Christmasy—with the Lego competition a highlight—and she relished every phone call she received from them. Their summer home, Noisy Brook, was the site of much family love and so many memories. Her cookies and snickerdoodle were always in demand (as was her guidance in making donuts), and her annual TexMex night was craved by all. She was always ready to play a game, whether cancellation hearts with the whole camp, Racko with a kid or three, or backgammon with Gwen. She especially loved taking the old rowing canoe out on the lake, which one of her nephews would get down specifically for her. Mary was a kindergarten teacher before having children and later was a substitute teacher at their school, Montpelier Elementary. She also volunteered in the kids’ classrooms and with each book fair, and she overcame her shyness to become PTA president when asked. Oaklands Presbyterian Church was the heart of Mary’s community. She was a member of their choir and bell choir, and all of her children learned to sing there. She prepared communion for many years and enjoyed the weekly coffee group and after-service lunches. The church community rallied around her after the loss of her husband in 2004, and her social life bloomed due to their love. Mary will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the way she always remembered birthdays with cards, calls, or texts. No mother could be more devoted, and we will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, husband, and parents and is survived by her children Beth, David, and Melinda; her children-in-law Dave and Kate; her grandsons Will and Chris; and her cherished extended family. A memorial service for Mary Campbell will be held in the afternoon on June 15, 2024, at Oaklands Presbyterian Church in Laurel, MD. Donations to Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services (LARS) would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

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Mary Campbell

December 7, 1943 - March 28, 2024