Sister Rosemary Campi, PBVM

Sister Rosemary Campi, PBVM, (Religious Name Sister Mary David) a native of San Francisco, was born on January 5, 1927 to Marie Biagi and David Campi. She entered eternal life on December 10, 2020 in San Francisco, having been predeceased by her parents, her younger sister, Melanie Bacon and her brother, Anthony Campi (Carole Ann). She now leaves devoted nephews, their families, cousins, and her loving Presentation sisters and Associates.

A Presentation Sister for 76 years, Sister Rosemary earned a BS degree in Biology from the University of San Francisco and a MAT in Biology from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. In 1950, she began twenty-five years as a high school science teacher in Presentation High Schools in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose. During the 1960s, while teaching at Presentation High School, Berkeley, she was active in quite a few professional associations, was nominated for several years as the national association of Biology Teachers, Outstanding Teacher of the Year; received the NABT Science Teacher Achievement Award; taught science supervisors from educational institutions in Summer sessions at the University of California, Berkeley; and received several National Science Foundation research grants to Marquette University and to Donner Research Lab at UC, Berkeley.

In 1970, Sister Rosemary joined the Administrative Team at Presentation High School, San Jose, where she taught science. Over the years, she co-created an environmental education course for elementary students at Presentation Center, Los Gatos and operated a thriving education site there. She also taught classes at Gavilan College in Gilroy.

In 1977, Sister accepted a full-time position as biology instructor at San Jose City College teaching anatomy and physiology to pre-med and nursing students from San Jose State University. While at SJCC, she co-lead Summer field trips throughout the Central and Northern Sierras. She also worked on Habitat for Humanity Homes.

After her retirement from full-time teaching in 1995, Sister Rosemary served as a certified Santa Clara County ombudsman, assisting residents at long-term care facilities in addressing issues of their rights and dignity. She then served for 21 years at Sacred Heart Community Center, San Jose, serving the poor and marginalized.

In 2016, health issues determined Sister’s move to her Congregation’s Care Center in San Francisco. Here, she organized a Book Club and remained active in environmental and other justice issues.

In addition to Sister Rosemary’s love for her family, friends and Presentation Community, her deep Spirituality, her Italian heritage, cooking, music, gardening, love of nature, all added great joy to her life.

Due to Covid-19 Protocols, a Memorial Service will be private.

Memorial contributions to the Sisters of the Presentation are preferred and can be sent to Sisters of the Presentation Development Office, 281 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118.