Obituary of Mary Frances Campise

Mary F Campise, age 88, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep in December 2023. She was born in Burleson County, Texas, to Joe and Rosie Montalbano and spent her childhood on a farm in the Burleson County, Texas, area.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Joseph J Campise; her brothers Thomas "Tommy" Montalbano, Peter "Pete" Montalbano, Joe Montalbano Jr.; her half-sisters, Angelina Montalbano, Vita Feretta; half-brothers, Jasper Montalbano, Ben Montalbano and Steve Montalbano. She is survived by her children, JoAnn, Janet & Jamie, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and her sister, Lucille Niemeyer.

Mary and Joseph moved to the Houston area from Burleson County in 1963 and purchased their first home on the North side of Houston, where they lived until both of their deaths. Mary was a hard worker and dedicated to her family. She was a full-time wife to her husband and mother to her three children. As a young stay-at-home mother, she took in ironing to supplement the household income. She also took up sewing and made all her daughter's clothing, sometimes making them look like twins even though they were almost three years apart. Mary was also known for her vested pantsuits that she made herself. Once her daughters left home, she worked part-time for the American Greetings card company. She and her husband were members of Assumption Catholic Church for 60 years. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and assisted with the church's Sunday offerings collection.

She and her husband loved to go to Las Vegas and the casinos in Louisiana. She loved bingo and would play anywhere there was a bingo game. Mary and Joseph also enjoyed hosting poker games. Mary was quite the hostess. She made sure that the players had plenty of drinks and snacks. Mary was a strong-willed person and had her opinions on most things. Mary will be greatly missed by her children, her many friends and relatives.

A viewing and visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street in Houston, Texas. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Assumption Catholic Church, 901 Roselane Street, Houston, Texas.

The Rite of Committal will follow at Resthaven Earthman Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, Texas.