Mary Catherine Rule, 80, of Albany died Friday peacefully at her home.

She was born in Anaconda, Mont., to Robert Anthony McEwen and Barbara Abbie Delappe. She married Albert Roy Rule on June 18, 1960, in Anaconda.

After graduating from Anaconda Central Catholic High School in 1948, Mary enrolled in the University of St. Mary's in Leavenworth, Kan. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and then worked for several years as a medical technologist.

Mary was active at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albany leading Bible study, and visiting with the elderly and sick. She also volunteered her time at Birthright and FISH of Albany. She enjoyed spending time with her family, camping, picnicking and enjoying the outdoors.

She is survived by her sons, Robert Rule of Eugene and Albert Rule of Albany; daughters Lynn Rule of Portland, Barbara Snow of Sweet Home, Kathleen Dooley of Drain, Annmarie McConville of St. Paul, Minn., Julie Nelson of Hillsboro and Christy Rule of Cottage Grove; brother Robert McEwen of Jeffersonville, Ind.; sister Barbara Bayliff of Parachute, Colo., and 23 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Mary Louise Rule and Margaret Ann Rule; husband Albert Rule Sr.; brother Joseph McEwen; sister Una Ann McEwen; and parents Robert and Barbara McEwen.

A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home. A recitation of the rosary will follow. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albany.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org .