Obituary of Anna Mary Campbell

Anna Mary Campbell, nee Dunn, of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, died at home on April 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Dartmouth, NS to James Colin and Mary Florence (Walsh) Dunn on May 4, 1928. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She took immense pride in her Irish roots and found great joy in tracing her Dunn ancestors all the way back to the founding of Dartmouth. She pursued her studies in Education at Mount Saint Vincent University, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to learning, teaching, and community service. Early in her career, she taught in both Dartmouth and Digby, where she would eventually meet the love of her life, Joe. Together they began a family, and although widowed at a young age, she faced the challenge with unwavering grace, raising their eight children with strength, compassion, and quiet resilience.

A woman of many talents and interests, she co-authored the textbook Homemaking for Young Canadians, reflecting her deep appreciation for the practical skills that sustain a household. An avid reader with a sharp wit and a warm sense of humor, she loved solving crossword puzzles and cryptoquotes. Her hands were rarely idle—she was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and cross-stitcher (one cross-stitch for each of her 24 grandchildren). Her time in the kitchen was well spent and she nurtured a love of good food. She delighted in the company of friends, enjoying card games, especially bridge and auction, and cherished lunch outings at the Maritime Inn with the girls. Travel was a special joy, particularly the trips she shared with her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Frank.

Her spirit of service was evident throughout her life. She gave generously of her time as a volunteer on the Catholic Health Association of Canada, school board, hospital board, and ladies auxiliary. She received a citation for her “outstanding contribution to health care in a Christian context,her exemplary leadership of a national effort at building up the Christian community and her unselfish dedication as a person for others,” A dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League and a devoted palliative care volunteer, she was always ready to lend a hand, listen with empathy, and offer support to those in need. Her life was a testament to quiet strength, enduring faith, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

Left to mourn are her children Deborah (Bill Tierney), Colin (Margaret), Richard (Cynthia), Sandy (Marnie), Mary-Anne (Michael Schinzig), Janet (Wayne McNeil), Ellen (Jeff MacArthur), sister-in-law Sally Dunn, 24 grandchildren Donagh, Cara, and Ciaran Tierney; Jessica, Joe, Nicole, and Kaye Campbell; John, Emily, Anna, and Stephanie Campbell; Rose, Grace, and Stuart Campbell; Hannah, Connor, and Patrick Buhariwalla; Peter, Rory, Ashley and Kate McNeil; Logan, Alice, and Mara MacDonald, and 19 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Joe D., daughter Mary in infancy, son Peter, two brothers in infancy, her siblings Kevin (Sally) Dunn, Frances (Frank) Tomscha, Paul (Pauline) Dunn, Alayne (Colin) Boxall, Michael Dunn and Christine Dunn.

She managed to stay in her own home supported by her family and friends. Special thanks to the many home care professionals, VON, palliative care team, and family doctors Patsy Allan and David Faour.

Visitation will be on Thursday April 24, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish, NS. Celebration of Life will be Friday, April 25th at 2:00 pm in Saint Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish. Burial in the parish cemetery.  Donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society.