Mary Campbell "Cammie" Christensen
January 14, 1952 - January 15, 2025
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Mary Campbell "Cammie" Christensen
January 14, 1952 - January 15, 2025
Obituary
Born in Evanston, Illinois – 1952
Known throughout her life as “Cammie” because there were too many Mary’s.
Cammie lived in Arizona since 1957, attended Kiva elementary, Judson Jr-High, and graduated from Saguaro High School in 1969, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She played clarinet as a member of the orchestra and marching bands. She also studied Spanish and excelled in all her academics.
She attended Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona) where she met her future husband in a Brazilian Portuguese class. She also studied Spanish, and French. They married in the summer of 1972, and she transferred to Angelo State University (San Angelo, Texas) and finished back at Arizona State University graduated in May 1973, with High Honors and a Bachelor of Arts.
Shortly after graduation she traveled to the island of Okinawa, Japan, to join her husband, then stationed there with the US Air Force. During this time she taught in a Parochial High School with many Philippine students. After returning to the US, there was a short time in San Antonio before she returned to Tempe, Arizona with her husband where her son David was born July 1975.
Cammie found other opportunities to be involved in teaching as Gary served in the Air National Guard until December 1981. He finished his Bachelor of Science at ASU, and became a full-time computer programmer which led them both into educational opportunities with High Schools. Soon Cammie was working in attendance/registration for students, and then further involvement in school attendance reporting and school funding.
She was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in Spring 1983, after declining health for several years. This condition was a factor in the rest of her life. Her daughter Margaret was born August 1987. As always, she studied the problems, treatments and outcomes, and achieved a level of health that kept her active for 4 decades more.
She took the opportunity to work in the District of Arizona, US Federal Court, as a front-office reception, database administrator and coordinator of Parole officers and clients. Her keen abilities to recognize people, remember names and maintain an efficient office was well recognized and retired in January 2014.
Cammie was compassionate and supportive of everyone she met, with a talent for spreading positive energy and encouragement. A prolific reader, she could devour a couple of novels in a week and still accomplish all her other tasks. She will be missed by all who knew her and leaves a void in our lives.
Sadly, without much warning, she passed away of heart failure shortly after her 73rd birthday. She fought to live fully every day of her life.
Blue skies and fair winds Cammie! Your gifts and talents are apparently needed elsewhere. Until we meet again, on the other side of the veil you will be in our hearts. 15 January 2025.
1 responses to Mary Campbell "Cammie" Christensen
Helen Christensen says:
January 23, 2025
In this small body, this brilliant light shined. With curiosity, wonder, humility but, mostly with boundless love. Thank you for walking through my recovery with me. I could live to a 100, and never be able to explain how much your daily inspiration, verse, flowers or scripture lifted me. I am blessed to call you, my little Sister. Rest well Sweet Heart.