Marie Lou Campbell

Marie Campbell was 94 years of age when she went home to her Lord on May 13, 2021. She was a resident of Boulder for 90 of those years. Marie and her identical twin, Martha, were born August 4, 1926 in La Veta, CO to Walter A. Campbell and Daisy (Hamilton) Campbell. Her father died when she was four months old. In 1930, Marie’s mother and her four daughters exchanged the Spanish Peaks of La Veta for the Flatirons of Boulder, when her mother moved the family here so the girls could have excellent educational opportunities. Marie’s grandfather, James G. Hamilton, was a pioneer who helped settle La Veta, CO in 1868 after traveling to Colorado twice by covered wagon from Missouri. The furnishings he brought to Colorado are on display at the Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta.

After attending the University of Colorado, Marie enjoyed a 40 year career at the CU Norlin Library (Education Library and Periodicals Room), retiring in 1990.

Every year in honor of Marie and Martha’s outstanding contributions, Norlin Library recognizes an exceptional staff member with The Campbell Award, which includes a $1,000 gift.

Marie and Martha established a Library in 1953 at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder (now named Grace Commons Church) and started a bookstore within the church known as The Book Nook with the proceeds supporting various church ministries. Marie worshipped there for 90 years.

Marie enjoyed her years of affiliation with Historic Boulder and Friends of the Library. She loved their three poodles who graced their home over the years. Spending time with her dear friends’ dog, Winston, brought her much joy. She loved her Lord, she loved her family, she loved her friends, she loved gardening, and she especially loved to laugh.

Having lived her entire life in the shadow of the Rockies with her beloved sister, Martha, one of Marie’s favorite scriptures was Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Agnes Moseley and Libby Taylor. Marie will be missed by her sister Martha Campbell of Boulder, niece Nancy Taylor of Windsor, CT, and cousins Jim (Laurel) Hamilton of Boulder and Judy (Ray) McFarland of Grand Junction.

Marie was a precious soul with a servant’s heart. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, May 22nd @ 11:00 AM at Grace Commons Church, 1820 15th St., Boulder, CO.

Marie’s family acknowledges the loving care given to Marie by MorningStar Assisted Living in Boulder and TRU Community Care Hospice of Lafayette. Ahlberg Funeral Chapel of Longmont will facilitate a private graveside ceremony in June at the Hamilton family plot in the La Veta Cemetery. As she wished, Marie will be buried beside her mother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marie to TRU Community Care (www.TruCare.org).