Mary Campbell, 78, of Bloomington, died Friday Oct. 19, 2012, at Hospice House in Bloomington. She was born Feb. 18, 1934, in a farmhouse near Mt. Sterling, Ill., eldest daughter of Robert N. and Eutrophia G. (Curry) Campbell. Her parents were active church members, her father a postal carrier and prime beef cattle farmer, and her mother a prolific quilter and gardener. Not especially outdoorsy or artistic, she developed a love of music history while studying typing and shorthand. Mary graduated from Brown County High School in 1952, and from University of Illinois in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Upon graduation, Mary was hired as social events reporter for Pomona Progress Bulletin in Pomona, Calif. Two years later, she began her 42-year career as a reporter for the Associated Press in Chicago. After she transferred to New York City in 1960, she established a presence in arts journalism as a reporter in the news features department.

Mary made friends throughout her life because she showed a genuine interest in people. Respectful, well prepared and uniquely able to distill the important story from an interview, she earned the admiration of musicians and performers. Colleagues, friends, and family recall stories of her interactions with world-famous entertainers, ranging from Arthur Rubinstein to Johnny Cash to Bob Marley to Beverly Sills to James Taylor to Louis Armstrong, among others. She was a close friend of Duke Ellington, and she danced with him on his birthday at the White House. Almost every day she reviewed opera, theater, or concerts, returning to the office late at night to write up reviews. Appointed by American Theatre Wing and Broadway League as a voter, she helped determine the annual Tony Awards for many years. She encouraged the best in musicians, friends and loved ones.

In 2000, Mary retired to her best friend and sister’s home town of Bloomington, grateful to have ongoing opportunities to attend music and theater events. During retirement she continued reading mysteries, shopping, and giving gifts to friends. Before enduring cancer and neuropathy that left her using a walker, she had started the ten-year project of assisting IU professor of music Harvey Phillips as he wrote his autobiography. “Mr. Tuba” (IU Press) was published a month before her death. She was a member of the Ernie Pyle society of retired journalists, the faculty drama club, attended St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and volunteered at Opportunity House resale shop.

Survivors include sister Ruth and brother-in-law Joe Miller; brother Allen Campbell and his companion Vi Hill; nieces Lisa Miller Maidi and Annie (husband Masaaki Mochizuki); great-niece Elly Mochizuki; great-nephews Ben, Ali, Chabane (wife Anna), Dawood, and their father Rachid Maidi; step-great-nieces Angie and Izumi Mochizuki; god-daughter Katrina Stallings; devoted extended family; and many dear friends.

A funeral service was conducted in Mt. Sterling Sunday Oct. 21, with burial in Rigg Cemetery, alongside generations of Campbells.

A memorial service is to be conducted at noon Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, followed by luncheon and story sharing at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 100 N. State Rd. 46 Bypass, Bloomington, IN 47408. Due to current road construction, a local map to the church is provided at http://stmarksbloomington.org. Pastor Mary Beth Morgan will officiate at the service and can be reached at the church, (812) 332-5788.

Memorial contributions can be made to Opportunity House of Monroe County United Ministries at www.mcum.org or to Equity Fights AIDS at http://www.broadwaycares.org.