Mary Emma (Barkley) Campbell

West Hebron - Mary Emma Barkley Campbell, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 after a time of declining health, with family members by her side.

Mary was born on December 2nd, 1932, the second of three children, to Clayton and Mary McEachron Barkley, growing up and working on the family farm. After graduating as valedictorian from Salem Central High School, Mary went on to study at Cornell University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science.

Cornell was also where Mary met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Campbell, to whom she was married for 52 years before his passing in 2007.

Mary and Dick began their married life and careers in Indiana, moving back to West Hebron in 1964, where Dick began teaching at Salem High School.  Mary always made family her priority, but still found time to pursue additional academic studies, earning her Masters in Library Science and becoming the high school librarian for a number of years.

She and her family also continued the operation of summer rental cottages on Barkley's Lake, which had been started by her father, Clayton.  Mary was deeply involved in the West Hebron United Presbyterian Church, including serving many years as its organist and pianist, along with numerous roles supporting activities at the church, the school and within the community.

"Mary Emma's Kitchen", as friends and family called it, was legendary and always a welcoming spot, where her famous finger rolls, fresh cookies, and hamburgers by the pool in the summer were seemingly in endless supply, and relished by many.

Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  She was pre- deceased by her parents, her husband Dick, her brother, Harry and her sister Elizabeth.  She is survived by her three children, Richard "Rick" (MaryAnn) Campbell, Christine Campbell, and Laurie (Brian) Edwards as well as 2 grandchildren, Susan (Steve) Nielsen

and Joe (Katelyn) Campbell, along with 4 great-grandchildren, Cormac and Campbell Nielsen, and Evelyn and Cole Campbell.

The family would like to thank all who were at-home caregivers, the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Center for their kind and attentive care, and especially Cindi Guidon who brought Mom great joy in her final years and has since become a close family friend.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 13th, 2024 from 5-7pm at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home 19 E. Broadway, Salem, NY.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Hebron United Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 14th, 2024 at 1:00pm.

Donations in Mary Emma’s honor can be made to Hebron United Presbyterian Church at 3153 County Route 30, Salem, NY 12865.

To sign the online guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

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