OBITUARY - Sun Gazette, Dec 22, 2014

Rose A. Campana passed away in the presence of her loving family on Dec. 19, 2014, at Williamsport Regional Medical Center.

Rose was born to the late Joseph and Hubertine Neatrour in Johnstown, on Feb. 13, 1926. She graduated from Johnstown High School. Later, she graduated from St. Francis Hospital nursing school in Pittsburgh, where she met her late devoted husband Dr. Louis F. Campana. Rose and Dr. Campana were married for 48 years.

Rose was a woman of strong faith and conviction. She loved Jesus and respected His Blessed Mother. Hours of daily prayer became her routine, rarely praying for herself, mainly thinking of others. She was a leader and stood tall when others would not take a position.

Rose was an avid reader. She loved history, animals and was very patriotic. She was a member of the greatest generation. She believed in service to God and community.

For many years she visited nursing homes delivering flowers and church bulletins to shut-in residents. She was a champion of pro-life, always willing to defend God’s defenseless children.

On each Mother’s Day, Rose stood in front of the former Mater Dolorosa Church, in rain or shine, selling carnations for the local Right to Life organization and was very charitable to the missions.

Rose was very giving to the unfortunate as it became customary for her to invite elderly to her home for cooked meals and drive them to church on Sundays. She fed the hungry, visited the sick and clothed the poor.

Rose was a volunteer organist and vocalist for Masses at the former Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. She shared her faith by leading pilgrimages to religious sites, instilling an appreciation and love for God’s sacrifice.

For many years, Rose was Regent of the local chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America (CDA). Her CDA group placed first many times at the annual Williamsport Flag Day parade.

Rose was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Louis F. Campana; her son, Dr. Stephen J. Campana; her sisters, Mary A. Gaffney, Doris Dugan, Jean Savering; and brothers, Richard Neatrour, Frederick Neatrour and Joseph Neatrour.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth Brake. Rose is also survived by her children, Mary Lou Forgione (John), Joanne Cooke, Kathy Hutchinson, Dolly Welch (Dan), Janet Chesler, Dr. Louis F. Campana II (Dreena), Robyn Campana, Dr. Thomas Campana (Donna), Yvonne DiRocco (Matthew), Mayor Gabe Campana (Sonia) and Gemma Bragalone (Dominick). She is also survived by 35 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A family rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at the Crouse Funeral Home. The family will receive family and friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday evening, Dec. 22, 2014, at the Crouse Funeral Home, 133 E. Third St., Williamsport.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 100 Walnut St., Montoursville, with the Rev. John K. Manno officiating and the Rev. Brian Van Fausen co-officiating, followed by burial at St. Boniface Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions in Rose’s name may be made to: Susquehanna Valley Right to Life Chapter, P.O. Box 144, Williamsport, PA 17701 or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 800 Mulberry St., Montoursville, PA 17754 or St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 711 W. Edwin St., Williamsport, PA 17701.