Darlene G. Camus - Obituary

ife, sister, mother, grandmother. Litigator, artist, explorer, friend. The Honorable Judge Darlene Greenwell Perry Camus, age 84, peacefully passed away in the comfort of her Odenton home, that she shared with her daughter, Deanna, on Sunday June 18, 2023. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, William Burdy Greenwell and Mary Elva Hyde; her brother, David Greenwell and her husband, Edward P. Camus. She was the loving mother of Lisa Marie (Ricky) Ingley and Deanna Carole; sister of Victoria D. (James) Petrie and proud grandmother of Chelsea Marie Ingle, Rachael Darlene (Samantha) and Amy Katherine Pietkiewicz. Before she was a wife, mother or grandmother, Darlene was a driven student with a voracious appetite for learning. From a one-room schoolhouse, Darlene would eventually find herself at the evening program at the University of Baltimore School of Law where she would later graduate as a member of its first accredited graduating class. From there, Darlene’s legal career would span five decades- clerk, law librarian, private lawyer, deputy public defender, and ultimately Circuit Court judge. Darlene fought and repeatedly proved herself over and over again to become one of the area’s first women members of the bar and the bench. As a public defender Darlene was a fierce advocate and formidable adversary; once described by one publication as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” As a member of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court bench, she was fair and just. When Darlene retired from her lengthy and admirable time in the legal field, she and her husband, Ned, were able to enjoy years together in their dream home that they built together in the quiet and breathtakingly beautiful town of Ruidoso, NM. Even though Darlene had retired, she still used her time in New Mexico to take art and Spanish classes, and even published a children’s book- You Can’t be a Cowboy, Your Hat’s Too Big. Darlene so very much enjoyed hosting her friends and family, showing them the beautiful mountain vistas, Native American art and cultural events and exploring the many western travel destinations that captured Darlene’s heart. Darlene loved to be surrounded by her friends and family. Her home was the gathering spot that brought everybody together. We will immeasurably miss our beloved matriarch and look forward to honoring her memory every time that we come together. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darlene's life on Tuesday, June 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD and on Wednesday, June 28 from 10:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11:30 am at St. Peter's Parish, 2900 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Josephs Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325. Online Condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.