Mary Ellen Poleri Campbell, 87, the former owner with her late husband, James, of Campbell’s Place, a popular local tavern at 8337 Germantown Ave., died Nov. 24 at her home in Chestnut Hill.

The Campbells opened the tavern in 1970, and Mrs. Campbell remained the face and backbone of the business until it was sold in 2007.

Over those 37 years, Mrs. Campbell became much more than a local proprietor: She was a friend, employer, confidant, gin rummy partner, sounding board and shoulder to cry on to the many individuals who passed through her establishment.

Quick-witted, with an unfiltered sense of humor, sentimental and endlessly generous, she was most happy surrounded by friends and family, always trying to have a wonderful time.

A lifetime resident of Chestnut Hill, Mrs. Campbell was he youngest of six children born to Sicilian immigrants Carmela LaRussa and Thomas Poleri. She attended J.S. Jenks Elementary School in Chestnut Hill and Germantown High School.

She is survived by a daughter, Christina Campbell, and three grandchildren. Mrs. Campbell’s husband died in 1999.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, at Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors, 8413 Germantown Ave. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, at 34 Washington St., Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, or curealz.org. – WF