Name: Visitation for Dr. Maryann Campbell
Start: 2017-08-06T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-08-06T23:00:00.000Z
Location: C. C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home - Ridgewood

Campbell, Dr. Maryann

Dr. Maryann Campbell, 82 and formerly of Ridgewood, N.J., entered into eternal life on August 2, 2017. An accomplished educator, devoted mother and trusted friend to many, Maryann will be remembered as making the lives of her children; her students; and her colleagues, friends and acquaintances; better.

Born on April 24, 1935 in New York to Irving S. and Mary Phillips, Maryann was educated at St. John's University in Flushing N.Y. and received a B.A. (magna cum laude) in Science. Thereafter, she built a remarkable professional and academic record as an educator in several school districts, most notably in Wyckoff, New Jersey and Pearl River, New York. For more than 35 years, she taught at every scholastic level and in every subject. An enthusiastic traveler, Maryann visited myriad countries and studied a remarkable variety of cultures (many times with her students). Along the way, Maryann contributed to the development of innovative elementary and secondary curriculums for the U.S. Department of Education and similar organizations around the world. A recipient of 4 National Endowment for the Humanities Study Grants and 3 Fulbright Research Grants, Maryann holds several advanced degrees, including a PhD in Special Education. Maryann also received several honorary degrees from various educational organizations and served as a delegate to President Carter's White House Conferences on the Handicapped in 1977 and on Families in 1980. Maryann accomplished all of this while teaching and touching the lives of countless students in her own unique way.

Maryann always knew "what tree makes timber." A mother to five children and grandmother to nine grandchildren, Maryann lovingly cared and provided for her family, even in adversity. She always focused on providing her children the love and support they needed "to begin to commence to start" to live their lives successfully, raise their children lovingly and contribute to their communities positively. Maryann knew that faith was the foundation for success and instilled that in her children.

In addition to her parents, Maryann was predeceased by her brother John Phillips. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Heydenburg and her husband Thomas; and sons Christopher and his wife, Joyce; Benedict and his wife, Kathleen; Matthew and his wife, Jeanne; and Gregory. She is also survived by her grandchildren Theresa, Elizabeth, Emily, Timothy, Christopher, Abigail, Kelly, Alexandra and Grace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Maryann's name to Autism Family Services of New Jersey, the Autism Self Advocacy Network or similar organizations committed to the needs of those with autism spectrum conditions.

Visitation: Sunday, August 6, 2017 3:00-7:00pm at CC Van Emburgh Funeral Home. Funeral Mass: Monday, August 7, 2017 10am at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, Ridgewood. www.vanem burgh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on Aug. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Maryann Campbell

Sponsored by C. C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home - Ridgewood.

2 Entries

Laura Ryan Lynch

August 9, 2017

Mrs. Campbell was not only an accomplished teacher. She was an angel sent from above. I was in her resource room and English classes while I attended Pearl River High. I had always struggled with school. I was definitely not the easiest student. Work was hard, I seemed to always be frustrated. I would easily give up. When I first met your mother, we immediately got along. She was so warm hearted. As soon as she saw me begin to struggle she would stop me and discuss how to read information in a way that made sense. I quickly became successful at school. Every year my mom would recommend to the CSE that I had your Mom and every year I did. I was that student that struggled so much during my earlier school years. I knew HS was going to be tough. I went in thinking, no way will I be able to graduate. I owe your mom my diploma.
A few years after HS, I went to Dominican College. In an entry essay to the education department I was ask why I chose teaching. I wrote my essay about how your mom was able to teach me to learn. I wanted to do that for another student.
I am now a special education teacher with two master's degrees. Every graduation, my family and I mention how I have great teachers to thank for it. Your mom saved me. I am forever grateful to her. She saw what I never thought I was capable of. Thank you Dr. Campbell. May she rest easy and may you find strength during this difficult time

Cheryl Smith

August 4, 2017

Laura, Matt, Greg, Chris, Ben, and entire Campbell family, I am so sorry for your Mom's passing. I have countless childhood memories of being piled in the back of a station wagon or VW bus and off to a museum or other adventure. In fact, this summer I told a story of your Mom. We were all at the beach, I was about 9 and about to build a sandcastle. Your Mom chided me for being unimaginative, and a whole group of us ended up spending about 5 hours constructing a sand ancient egyptian landscape with pyramids and sphinx. Always learning with her!

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