March 12, 2005|By Jacques Kelly | Jacques Kelly,SUN STAFF
Susan D. Campbell, an attorney who played college lacrosse and was later a referee, died in her sleep of diabetes-related heart failure Wednesday at her home in the Rocky Point section of Essex. She was 50.
Born in Toronto, she was raised in Grosse Point, Mich., and came to the Baltimore area to earn a political science degree at Goucher College. A scholar-athlete, she was a varsity field hockey goalie, a middle-distance swimmer and an attack wing on the lacrosse team. She was also president of the school's athletic association.
While at Goucher, Ms. Campbell helped organize a successful strike for higher pay for student food service workers in the 1970s.
After earning her degree at Goucher, she earned a degree at the University of Maryland School of Law. She served on the school's moot court board and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1981.
Ms. Campbell worked at the law firm of White, Page and Lentz from 1981 to 1986. She practiced on her own in Roland Park for several years and in 1992 joined Blibaum and Simons in Pikesville, where she worked until her death.
Legal colleagues said she worked in commercial litigation and specialized in landlord-tenant law, and law related to condominium and homeowners' associations.
"She was quick-witted and had a dry sense of humor," said Samuel Blibaum, her co-worker. "She was a great team player and had a good understanding of the areas in which she practiced. She was dedicated to her clients, and they loved her."
Ms. Campbell played lacrosse into her 40s with the Baltimore Women's Lacrosse Association and served as board secretary and chief legal counsel for the United States Women's Lacrosse Association. She was a co-chairwoman of the 1986 National Women's Lacrosse Tournament held at Essex Community College.
"She was an energetic athlete," said Sarah W. "Sally" Murphy, a family friend who lives in Ruxton. "I watched her grow up as a child. There was no sport she wouldn't try."
Ms. Campbell and her life partner of 26 years, Kitty Bryant, a technology consultant, competed in lacrosse matches against England, Scotland, Canada, Wales and South Australia. They also were hosts to visiting teams in their home.
Ms. Campbell gave up lacrosse in recent years and played golf several times a week at a public course, Rocky Point. She also was active in the lawyer assistance group of the Maryland State Bar Association and was secretary of its weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at the Engineering Society of Baltimore, Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, 11 W. Mount Vernon Place.
In addition to her life partner, survivors include her mother, Marjorie Smith Campbell of Grosse Point; her father, Dr. Fredrick W. Campbell Jr. of St. Albans, Vt.; three brothers, Dr. Fredrick W. Campbell III of Traverse City, Mich., William Yates Campbell of Grosse Point and Ian Campbell of Williston, Vt.; three nephews; and four nieces.
