Mary Jane Campese

Born Mary Jane Szalkowski on June 6, 1932 in Dunkirk, NY, Mary Jane was the loving mother to 13 children and the soulmate of her husband of 64 years, “Buddy.” Her faith, love for her husband and her 13 children were the driving forces behind her cheerful and generous soul and her kindred spirit. She will be forever missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until we all meet in heaven; thank you for your never-ending love.

Mary Jane was the co-founder of the famous Campi’s Pizza in Dunkirk, NY. She enjoyed reading countless books and caring for all animals, especially her dog Bailey, her cat Alli, her parrot of 40 years Louie, and even feeding the wildlife at the back door of her Florida home.

She was an accomplished seamstress, making the wedding dresses for her daughters.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Loreto “Buddy” Campese; children Michel (Wesley) Bossman, Cynthia (Keith) Ahlstrom, Samuel (Paula) Campese, Lorey “Bim” Campese, Joseph (Lori Brooks) Campese, Michael (Susan Briggs) Campese, Moria (Gregory) Sherlock, Wendi (Patrick F. Jr.) Sack, Gena (Hugh) Graves, Dean (Trisha) Campese, John Campese, Terra (Jim) Grubb, and Bettina Cathey. She had been blessed with 39 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Leonard Szalkowski, of Dun-kirk.

A funeral service was celebrated on December 2, 2015 at the McKee Funeral Home in North Port, FL. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mckeenorthport.com.

The family asks that those wishing to offer a memorial do so in the form of a donation to either of the following organizations, based on her love for reading and her affection for animals: The Lakeshore Humane Society, 421 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 or Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County, c/o Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive E., Dunkirk, NY 14048.