Mary Campbell Houseworth

Mrs. Mary C. Houseworth, age 83, of Raleigh died Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh after a long series of illnesses. She had most recently resided at Elmcroft of Northridge Residential Care in Raleigh and for over eight years prior to that she had lived very happily with her son and daughter in law, Charles W. (Chuck) and Meg Houseworth, of Raleigh subsequent to a major stroke in 2001. She was born in Pleasantville, NJ on February 29, 1928 to John and Ann Campbell. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of almost 39 years, Charles W. Houseworth, Sr.

Mary was a stay at home mom until 1967, at which time she began working to help her sons through college. She then worked tirelessly in several retail positions in Raleigh and Morehead City until well after her husband’s death in 1988. She took great pride in supporting herself and accepted no outside financial assistance. An avid reader and cross stitcher, Mary reserved her greatest attentions to her husband, Charles, and their three children and five grandchildren. She considered the provision of unconditional love, advice, and understanding her greatest calling. She was uncommonly good at it and inspired us all. She taught us how to live and, lately, how to die with dignity.

Funeral mass at 11am Friday May 6 at the chapel of St Raphaels Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of the Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 with interment to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC. A visitation will be held in the main church hall beginning at 10am Friday. Flowers may be sent either to Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 or directly to the church.

Surviving: Sons Charles W. Houseworth Jr., Raleigh, NC and Paul E. Houseworth, Huntsville, AL. Daughter Patricia Emory, Wilmington, NC. Five grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Sister Patricia Klenk, Phoenixville, PA.