Obituary of Mary Scott Campbell

MARY SCOTT CAMPBELL Mary Campbell (nee Ritchie) died on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her beloved partner and husband of 62 years, Douglas Belsey Campbell, and daughter-in-law, Karen Gaye Long. She is survived by her six children: Douglas Scott, Catherine Frances, Margaret Jean, Virginia Mary, Christine Evelyn and Peter William, their partners Faith, Brian, Carri and Lisa, and her sister Margaret Cornelia Phelan. Much joy was brought to Mary’s life through her six grandchildren: Alison (Grant), Douglas, Mary Lin, John, Tracy and Peter. Mary grew up in Toronto and attended Branksome Hall. She graduated with an M.A. in Political Economy from the University of Toronto. Mary and Douglas spent time in London, England, returning to Toronto to raise their family. A significant part of Mary’s life was shaped by her commitment to volunteerism, serving on committees and boards for the Committee for Alternative Training and Education for Women, Community Coalition on the Canadian Jobs Strategy, Social Planning Council of Metropolitan Toronto, Bloor-Bathurst Interagency Council, Rosedale United Church, Rosedale-Moore Park Association and Volunteer Centre of Metropolitan Toronto. Central to Mary’s personal and professional life was her commitment to the rights and empowerment of women, which was given voice through the completion of an M.S.W. in Community Development and Social Policy, and a 20-year career at the YWCA of Metropolitan Toronto, retiring as the Director of Community Programs and Services. Mary was an avid lifelong learner. Her interests and passions were diverse. She was never without at least two books on the go, and was deeply involved in the arts, appreciating and supporting the Canadian Opera Company, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet of Canada. She was an ardent theatre-goer and was known to return home on the train, barefoot, with shoes in hand after a full day at the Stratford Festival. Mary also treasured family time at the cottage, spending over 30 summers at Island 950 in Temagami and 14 summers at Tiny Beach in Georgian Bay. Mary’s family is grateful to Sharon and Mary Ann for their compassionate care, and for the Toronto Senior Care, CBI, medical and Avoca Vale teams who supported her so respectfully. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) for the funeral service on Saturday, April 29th at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to YWCA Toronto at 416-961-8100 or ywcatoronto.org. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.