Mary Diana Campbell

Mary Diana Campbell was born in Bessemer, Alabama on October 3, 1954 to Maple Lee Kirk and Robert C. Campbell. She was affectionately known as "Diane" or "Di" to her family members and later "Mare" to her many cherished friends and work colleagues. She was raised in Liberty, NY where she attended and graduated from the Liberty Central School District. Growing up in Liberty was the highlight of Mary Diana's life, whether it was working at Grossinger's or The Brown's Hotel, as their first African American waitress, having large family parties on Champlain and North Main Street, or basking in the fresh clean air in Liberty where the sun just always seemed to shine, according to her.

While in high school, she met Kenneth Hawkins, and they were married. She later met and married Louis Peter Norwood Jr., who predeceased her. Mary Diana traveled, and lived in Atlanta, GA, Virginia and Upstate NY. She moved to Albany, NY in 1984 and attended college and worked for various law firms, NYS agencies and finally retired as a Legislative Director from the NYS Assembly and Senate. She secretly earned her Bachelor's Degree and went on to later work with the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Latino and Asian Legislators Inc.

Mary Diana was fearless, respected, and loved. She was known for being effortlessly chic and classy at all times. She was the daughter of Maple Lee Kirk and Robert C. Campbell; cherished sister to Roselle Bennette, Nathaniel Bell, Natalie Bell and Ernestine Nelson. Mary Diana was also a loving friend to Randi, Donna B., Donna, Renee, Gail and Wayne. Most importantly, she was the beloved mother of Dinika (John) Benedict, Tanika Hawkins and Khiree Norwood. She fiercely adored her grandchildren: Diandra, Elijah, Enia Diana, Justin, Ian, Nevin and Kiyan. She also leaves to cherish her memory, a god-daughter, Gianna Ford and a host of nieces, nephews and a big family that she grew up with who love and will miss her tremendously. She is predeceased by her father, Robert C. Campbell.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 236 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207. A memorial service will be held privately for close friends and family only.

*Covid-19 Protocols for the Memorial Service*

- As per Mary Diana's wishes, out of an abundance of caution, and due to the rise of Covid-19, there will be no gatherings or repasts at present time.
Please save the date for a summertime celebration of her life to be held in the Summer of 2022.
- Proper usage of masks required (N95 grade or polyester mask covering both the nose and mouth) for entry in to calling hour and to memorial
service (no bandanas or scarves as a substitute for a mask)
- Social distancing required once inside of the sanctuary
- Please respect social distancing while offering condolences (fist pump, air hug..etc)

In lieu of Flowers and Gifts
- Mary Diana regularly donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (Families do not have to worry about accommodations or daily meals, while treating
an ill child)
- Donate business casual clothing to a women's shelter or program designed to help women put their best foot forward after being involved in an abusive situation or extenuating circumstances.
- Donate to St. Peter's Hospice in Albany, NY in Mary Diana's memory.