Mary Emily Campbell, 97, a lifelong resident of Rochester passed away January 22, 2013 at Madonna Meadows Assisted Living.

Mary Emily Macken was born to Daniel and Emily Agnes (Thomas) Macken in Rochester on the 2nd of September 1915. Her Grandparents were Irish farmers in the Simpson and High Forest areas.  She always joked, that she was probably related to most of the Irish families in the Rochester area, in one way or another.

She graduated from St. John's High School in Rochester, and attended St. Teresa's College in Winona.  She then graduated from the Minnesota Business School in Minneapolis.  She married George Franklin Campbell of Garrett, IN on November 8th  1938 at St. John's in Rochester.  He had surprised her by taking his first communion in the Catholic Church, on Christmas Eve 1937, at St. Bridget's in Simpson.

Before marriage, and after her children were all in school, she was employed at the Mayo Clinic, retiring from the Foundation Office in 1977.  Mary and George were also Charter Members of St. Pius X Church.

One of Mary's favorite things to do was to drop in on anyone, who she thought could use a little company or support, and bring them a plate of cookies to brighten their day. She also opened her house to many traveling friends and relatives so that they could have a warm meal and a comfortable bed.  The family joked that her house was truly the "Campbell hotel".

Mary mentioned several times that it was a little sad to have outlived most of her friends from school and childhood.

Mary and George had a nice retirement, traveling, spending time in Arizona, when they could, golfing and playing cards with a great group of friends.  Mary played golf well into her 80s.

She took great pride in making daily visits to see her husband at Golden Living East where he resided for eight years in the tender care of all the people there, until he passed away Dec. 13th of 2010.

Mary is survived by: Sons Richard J. (Martha) Campbell of Fremont, NE, Robert G. (Florence) Campbell of Sioux City, IA, Daughter Mary Beth (Martin) Gores of Prior Lake, MN, Son David D. (Patricia) Campbell of Plymouth, MN , Son Mark S. (Ann) Campbell of Minneapolis, MN.; a sister, Esther A. Zilch, brothers Richard V. Macken and Daniel D. Macken.  In addition, many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband George, 2 brothers John and Paul, and her Grandson Derek Campbell.

The Funeral Mass for Mary will be on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 1:30 PM at St. Pius X in Rochester with the Rev. Charlie Collins officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Madonna Meadows Assisted Living Center. Mary loved her 2 years at Madonna Meadows and truly appreciated all the wonderful caregivers, staff and residents.