Trending
BROOKFIELD - Betsy Joan Campana, 84, of Brookfield, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley in Youngstown. She was surrounded by her loved ones.
Betsy was born March 14, 1942, in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Jacob and Agnes Mitch Kahl, and has been a lifelong resident of the Northeast Ohio area.
She graduated from South High School in Youngstown.
Betsy married her beloved husband, Joe Campana, on Nov. 22, 1969, beginning a marriage that spanned nearly 57 years.
Throughout her life, Betsy held a variety of jobs she loved, but her favorite was working as an executive secretary in the service engineering department at Youngstown Sheet & Tube. She remained there until the birth of her first child, when she devoted herself to what became her most cherished role: being a proud, loving stay-at-home mom. Betsy was dedicated to creating a home filled with love, encouragement and support. She made countless sacrifices to ensure her son could pursue his athletic interests and her daughter could follow her passion for dance, always putting her children's dreams and happiness ahead of her own. For Betsy, being a mother meant giving wholeheartedly, and her family's happiness was always her greatest priority.
An avid newspaper reader who began each day with the news, Betsy was also affectionately known as the "Queen of Sayings," always ready with a proverb or words of wisdom for nearly every occasion. She was equally talented at Wheel of Fortune, a game she truly mastered.
She carried her Catholic faith with her throughout her life and was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle.
She enjoyed life's simple pleasures, from savoring pizza at The Elmton in Struthers, a childhood favorite, to sharing a glass of wine in Ohio's wine country. She especially loved Geneva-on-the-Lake and visiting the region's wineries, with Ferrante Winery holding a special place among her favorites for wine tastings. Scenic drives, particularly through the vibrant colors of autumn, were another of her cherished pastimes. Betsy also had a love for travel, with adventures that took her to Australia, Italy, France, England and Scotland. Among her favorite destinations was Savannah, Georgia, whose charm and character captivated her, and Disney World, where she delighted in its magic and joy.
Although she never had the opportunity to visit Ireland, she felt a deep connection to the country through her Irish heritage and her love of Irish music.
Betsy had a generous heart and deep compassion for others, always believing in the importance of paying it forward. She supported causes that helped people and animals in need and treasured the lifelong friendships she nurtured throughout the years. Loyal, caring and genuine, she valued the people in her life and the meaningful connections that stood the test of time. Her kindness, selflessness and the love she shared with family and friends will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
In addition to her parents, Betsy was preceded in death by her infant sister, Lois; her brothers, Jack and Jim; and her sisters, Jeanne and Judy.
Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband, Joe, of Brookfield; her son, Dan, of Youngstown; and her daughter, Jennifer, of Boise, Idaho.
She will also be fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, extended family and lifelong friends. Betsy will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family and all those whose lives she touched. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A private memorial service was held Oct. 15, 2026, at Lane Madasz Chapel in Brookfield, followed by burial in Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna.
Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
(special notice)