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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