Mary Camp, 81
July 15, 1930 — Aug. 27, 2011
Mary T. Camp, 81, of Barrett Street, Niles, died at 11:22 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011 at her home of complications of Parkinson’s disease.
- Camp
She was born July 15, 1930 in South Bend to Floyd Chester and Mary Elizabeth (Young) Troub, and graduated from John Adams High School, South Bend. She earned a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy and a teaching certificate from Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University), Ypsilanti. She was a principal oboist in the college orchestra and freelanced in local churches.
Mary owned and operated the former Queen’s Wardrobe in Niles, and more recently she and her husband hosted The Barrett Place Bed and Breakfast Inn.
She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles and was active in both local and district United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Ladies’ Historical Society; member and past president of the Berrien County Medical Society Auxiliary; a member of the Berrien County Civil Rights Commission; a board member of the Berrien County Cancer Service; and a volunteer with the former Greater Niles United Way.
When her children were young, she served as a Cub Scout den mother; designed and produced costumes for the Niles High School Theater Department; and volunteered with the Niles High School Band and Orchestra Boosters.
Mary was an active supporter of the building of the YMCA on West Main Street; was a member of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority; and organized the John Adams Class of 1948 reunion committee.
She enjoyed researching and presenting programs of historical interest, including such subjects as Jack Kevborkian’s controversial philosophy and the role quilts played in the Underground Railroad.
On April 4, 1952 in Ypsilanti, she married Donald C. Camp, just months prior to her college graduation and Dr. Camp’s graduation from medical school.
Surviving family includes her husband, Dr. Donald C. Camp, and their children, Don F. Camp of Grand Haven, Mich., Dr. Mary Beth Camp of Bloomington, Ind., Jim (Maryanne) Camp of West Bloomfield, Mich. and Bill (Vicki) Camp of Chicago; grandchildren, Kevin (Ann) Camp, Shannon (Joel) Billau, D.O. and Krista (Eric) Thigpen; great-grandchildren, Amari and Alexi; Kevin and Shannon’s mother, Cindy L. Camp; and Mary’s sister, Evelyn Troub. RN, BSN, MSN of South Bend; and sister-in-law, Elaine Troub of Harper’s Ferry, W. Va.; and nieces, Mary Kay and Kathy.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Lt. Cmdr. Floyd Troub, U.S. Navy, who died in action Jan. 15, 1969.
The funeral service for Mary Camp will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Edward H. Slate officiating, assisted by the Rev. Jonathan Rose, spiritual care coordinator for Hospice at Home.
Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of Mary Camp may be made to Hospice at Home or to Wesley United Methodist Church.
Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:33pm Monday, August 29, 2011