Mary Jane Kamps

Mary Jane Kamps, 65, of Spofford, NH died peacefully on October 31, 2022, after nearly a year long battle with biliary cancer.  She passed away at her home, with her three children and husband at her side.

Mary Jane Kamps, née Hale was born May 14, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana to loving parents William Crowe Hale and Dolores Corcoran Hale.  She was the youngest daughter among ten children; six girls and four boys: Dolores Hale Brunet (Tom), Annette Hale Hudson (Jerry), Marion Hale Loup (Bob), Patricia Hale McKay (Doug) (deceased), (Agnes) Theresa Hale Cummins, Edward Michael Hale (Erin), Albert Blake (Carolyn), William Hale (Dianne), and James Hale (deceased).

Mary Jane was described by her siblings as “a pepper”, which has been echoed by friends who speak of her energy, her sense of humor, and optimism.  Mary Jane was a pioneer in her field of healthcare information technology, starting at a hospital IT help desk in the 1980’s, then retiring as the Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer for a hospital system in Maine in 2015.  She was an influential leader; a mentor and role model to many.  Most of her career was spent at Cheshire Medical Center in Cheshire County, NH, which she always considered her home.

Regular moves were part of Mary Jane’s career progression, taking her family to cities such as New Orleans, LA, San Antonio, TX, Atlanta, GA, and Chesterfield, NH.  After retirement, Mary Jane purchased a cottage on Spofford Lake, which became a sanctuary for her and the extended family.  She lived there with her husband Donald Robinson, and their chocolate lab Emma.  The lake house holds many memories for her family.  Many summer days were spent with ‘Nana’ surrounded by her children and six grandchildren, who were all central to her life..

Mary Jane will be eternally missed by many, but most especially her children, Kelly Kamps (Michael), Addie Moriarty (Keith), and Danny Kamps (Shana), as well as her husband Donald Robinson.  She was predeceased by parents William Crowe Hale and Dolores Corcoran Hale, siblings Dolores, Teresa, Patricia and James, and son Donald, who was born prematurely and died in infancy. Mary Jane leaves behind a rich legacy in her treasured grandchildren, Zoe, Elliot, and Piper Rutledge, and Jaden, Simon and Maggie Gann.

Mary Jane wanted her friends and family to celebrate her life by doing the things she most enjoyed-being outside, spending time with loved ones (including animals) and facing life and its challenges head on.  A memorial mass will be held on December 17, 2022 at 10:00 am St. Bernard’s Church on Main Street in Keene, NH.

The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.