Mrs. Mary Tunson

Mary C. Tunson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Luther Haven Horizons Hospice. The family thanks the staff at Luther Haven Horizons Hospice for their dedicated care of Mary, a beloved aunt, grandmother, and friend. Before her admission for hospice care, she was under the devoted care of her youngest brother, William (Little Brother) Campbell as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. She was 91. Born Mary C. Campbell in Helena, Arkansas on May 11, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Excell and Emma (née Williams) Campbell, who originally hailed from Duck Hill, Mississippi. Mary is predeceased by Everett Tunson, her husband and loving friend of 59 years, daughter Helen Washington, three sisters, Thelma Hudson, Ruth Carey and Edna Swanson, four brothers, Cullen Campbell, Excell Campbell, Clarence Campbell and Floyd Campbell, and cousin Wesley Berryhill, who was raised from infancy following the childbirth death of his mother and the elder Excell’s sister, T. Campbell Berryhill. She is survived by her sister, Ernestine Gibson, brother William Campbell, granddaughter LaToya Green, grandson Everett Washington, four great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, colleagues, and friends. After spending part of her childhood in Arkansas, the family moved North to Milwaukee, where Mary attended school at St. Benedict and Lincoln High School. She later attended Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, graduate school at Marquette University, and Cardinal Stritch University. Having earned her license as a registered nurse, Mary served for 20 years as head nurse at Milwaukee Children's Hospital (now Children's Hospital of Wisconsin). She went on to work with State of Wisconsin for 4½ years, and at Luther Manor in Wauwatosa for 10 years. She retired in 1991. The Tunson family loved traveling and sailing; fishing was a favorite pastime for both Mary and Everett. After prevailing in her battle against breast cancer, Mary dedicated her time helping others as a mentor with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD). She also was a founding member of the organization’s Milwaukee board of directors. In recognition of her work on behalf of ABCD, she was the 2004 recipient of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation’s Champions in Women’s Health Award. Charitable donations may be sent to After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD), the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mrs. Mary Tunson

May 11, 1931 - May 26, 2022