Mary Elinor Campion of San Antonio passed away on Saturday March 5, 2016 shortly before her 100th birthday.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Lawrence J Campion. Together, they raised eight children, two of whom also preceded her in death: Laura Janice and Mary Alice. She is survived by two more daughters, as well as four sons, along with 5 sisters, a sister-in-law, 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.


Born March 24, 1916 in Gonzales, Texas, her family moved soon thereafter to Bandera where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1934. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, followed by a lengthy career in teaching, which began during the depression with responsibility for six grade levels in a one room school house in rural Texas. In retirement, Mary Kay cosmetics became her passion, and kept her glamorous until the end.

She was constantly attending to her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her boundless love and nurturing made each feel as though they were an only child. Aside from raising a large family while working full time, somehow, she always made accommodation for community service and was actively involved in many non-profit organizations. With a focus on enriching not just her own spiritual life but that of everyone around her, she devoted countless hours to Salvation Army, Boysville, and the Altar Societies for St. John's and Blessed Sacrament parishes. She served as president of Church Women United for many years and her involvement with the Associates of The Incarnate Word and Centering Prayer Group spanned decades. She was truly a great inspiration to everyone who encountered her.

Mary Elinor was blessed with a long life which was rarely easy, but always positive, productive, meaningful, and happy. She will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Funeral Mass at the Incarnate Word Motherhouse Chapel, in San Antonio on March 10, 2016, followed by a graveside service and interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Halletsville, Texas.