North Huntingdon woman was a whiz with numbers

Marion Campbell was a whiz with numbers.

“She could total a column of numbers so easily, so she did the book work and managed the finances for the family’s business, Campbell’s Service Center,” said her daughter, Diane Rhodes of North Huntingdon. “She was very devoted to the business. That was sort of the center of her life outside of our family.”

Marion Priatko “Rusty” Campbell of North Huntingdon died Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. She was 90.

Mrs. Campbell was born in North Braddock on July 30, 1929, a daughter of the late Katherine (Pohlut) and Andrew Priatko.

“She was the middle child of five children,” Rhodes said. “Her father passed away when she was eight years old.”

A steelworker in North Braddock, Andrew Priatko’s family lived in a company house owned by the Edgar Thompson Works. To help support the family, Rhodes’ grandmother went to work cleaning homes.

Mrs. Campbell met her late husband, Hugh Keady Campbell, on a blind date. The couple was married Oct. 14, 1951.

After working for U.S. Steel, the Edgar Thomson Works and Household Finance in Braddock, Mrs. Campbell and her husband became co-owners of their own business, Campbell’s Service Center, which over the years became a Sunoco and most recently a Marathon fuel station.

“She was very devoted to her customers, many of whom she considered friends,” Rhodes said.

In fact, Mrs. Campbell was still working at the age of 90, with macular degeneration the only thing slowing her down.

In her spare time, Mrs. Campbell served as a judge of elections in her local ward, crocheted, decorated cakes and enjoyed bowling with neighborhood friends.

Diagnosed with Type I diabetes in her early 20s, Rhodes said her mother’s perseverance was an inspiration for nearly seven decades.

“No matter how she was feeling, she was committed to always showing the world her best version,” Rhodes said. “She was bright, light, and laughed easily.”

Mrs. Campbell is survived by her children Hugh and Diane Rhodes (Don), siblings William Priatko, Terry Bonacci and the late John and George Priatko; grandchildren Donald and Elizabeth Rhodes and numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

A Parastas service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at James Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike in North Huntingdon. A 10 a.m. funeral service will be held Monday at St. Stephen’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 90 Bethel Drive in North Huntingdon.

Memorial donations can be made to the church.

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at 724-850-2862, [email protected] or via Twitter .