Mary Campbell, progressive woman
Mary F.C. Campbell, 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2015, with her three children and good friend Norma by her side. Mary’s husband, James Fromhart Campbell, passed away in 1999.
Mary is survived by her children, Mimi (Mary Eleanor) Campbell, Jamie Campbell, Margaret Van Note and her husband Eric; her brother-in-law, Arthur Kappelmann, who was married to her late, beloved sister, Nan; and her grandchildren, Sean Patrick and James Leopold Weidlein, and Abigail Campbell Van Note.
Mary Frances Cotton was born in Fort Smith, Ark. She grew up and survived the Depression in Oklahoma, then moved with her family to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the OSS during World War II. She met Jim Campbell in Washington, D.C. and they married after the war.
Mary and Jim led a very exciting life full of adventure. Jim’s career with Esso Standard Oil and as U.S. Ambassador took them to live in Panama, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Chile, El Salvador and South Africa. Although Mary and her husband traveled all over the world, Washington D.C. and eventually Rehoboth Beach became their hometowns. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the Campbells returned to Rehoboth yearly.
A consummate entertainer, Mary loved her 4th of July birthday parties, especially with her grandsons, Sean and James from Virginia, and visits from her granddaughter Abby from Maine. She loved to tell stories and recount memories. Mary loved her home, always pursuing projects at the house and in her garden.
Mary was a principled and progressive woman. Proper in her own demeanor, she had high expectations. Mary was very proud of her Irish and Cherokee heritage. Her parents were cattle ranchers and oil prospectors. Her ancestors were pioneers and miners. At the University of Oklahoma, she was an accomplished equestrian.
Mary Campbell had a strong sense of civic duty. In Rehoboth Beach, she became the head of the Planning Commission and served from 1994 to 2003. She also volunteered at Henlopen Acres Beach Club and the Rehoboth Art League. She always kept up to date on current affairs locally and across the world.
Mary will be buried next to her beloved husband Jim in All Saints’ Cemetery at Saint George's Chapel.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. George’s Chapel on Beaver Dam Road in Lewes Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m., followed by the burial with a celebration of Mary’s life to follow at the family home. Donations can be made to All Saints’ Church or local animal rescue associations.
