Mary Magdalene (Gray) Campbell

Mary Magdalene (Gray) Campbell, of Woodinville, WA passed away Monday, March 19th surrounded by her loving family.  Mary was 91 years old, born on July 30th, 1920 in Seattle, to parents Eleanore and Sankey D (Pete) Gray.

Mary married Edward G. Campbell on Sept. 20th, 1940. Ed and Mary had eight children, raising them in both Seattle, and later on Camano Island, WA.

Mary loved the outdoors and was frequently a winner in many Seattle Firefighter’s fishing derbies, fishing with Ed who was a Lieutenant in the Seattle Fire Department.  She also loved music and singing and was a happy member of the Lakeside Chorus Chapter of Sweet Adelines, where she sang with her daughters Kathleen and Magdalene all across the country. Mary’s homemade blackberry pies were renowned by her family as the “best pies on the planet”.  Mary and Ed spent 12 years as owners of the Bargain House on Camano Island and she was an expert on many antiques and loved a good second-hand store or garage sale.  About 1990, Mary built a large log cabin, known as “The Lodge” on forty acres she and Ed bought in 1946. This was her final legacy to her family so all would have a place to come to be together and celebrate any occasion.  She was an accomplished pinochle player and loved to spend time with her family at “the lodge” playing cards and laughing. All family and friends were always welcomed by her.

Mary was preceded in death by Ed, her devoted husband of 46 years, her eldest son Michael and daughter Nancy.  Mary is survived by her children; Kathleen, Robert, James, Magdalene, Matthew and Clay. Mary is also survived by her sister Evelyn Gray-Wellington.

Mary had 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and was known as “Orange Gramma” due to her beautiful red hair.  Mary was a strong and energetic woman who was dearly loved by friends and family and will be missed by all who knew her.  Heaven will be brightened by her spirit.

Services to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 17856 N.E. Woodinville-Duvall Road, Woodinville, WA 98077 on Saturday, March 31st at 2 pm with a reception to follow afterward.