Frances A. Campione

Frances A. Campione (Babe), 89, passed away after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Now reunited with her beloved family in heaven, her spirit joins theirs as they watch over all of the family as we carry and share the beauty of their memory with others.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, Vito Campione and Frances La Morta Campione, her younger sister Mary (Campione) Surprise, her brother-in-law William E. Surprise, her grandparents and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Frances is survived by her niece and goddaughter, Maria Lisa Surprise Berkoff and her grandniece, Sylvia Francesca Berkoff.

Frances lived a very full and vibrant life in the Albany area. After graduating high school, she pursued her passion for fashion by working for Roxy Cleaners, whom she credited for her skill of getting stains out of any fabric, to her career as renowned children’s clothing manager for B. Lodge and Co., which she retired from in 2005. Frances had a knack for sourcing quality and unique clothing items, and as someone who was a champion of education, outfitted many Catholic, Charter, and private school students in the Albany area. Her dedication to her job would come full circle in her later years when she resided at Delmar Center and was cared for by many nurses whom she had helped dress for success in school as children. If your life was touched by Fran, your day was a little brighter.

As we gather in the autumn season that was her favorite time of year, may we not shed tears of sadness- instead let us smile for having known and loved her while cherishing her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate this holiday and winter season to benefit children in need- winter clothing, toys, books, school supplies. Let’s carry on her legacy by helping children thrive and feel empowered.