Felicia “Fannie” Campione, 97, who moved to Chicago from Sicily in hopes of finding a better life for her family, died Wednesday in Manor Care Health Services in Palos Heights of natural causes. She married Michael Campione in Sicily in 1920 and came to Chicago. The couple settled in the Bridgeport neighborhood. “They always worked hard in Sicily, but there was never anything to be had,” said Mrs. Campione’s grandson James Campione. “They came here with the understanding that they were going to be able to work hard and provide for the family.” Although she spent most of her years as a homemaker, she worked as a seamstress in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Afterward, as her family grew, she inspired her children and grandchildren, doling out bits of wisdom–“Always work hard for what you want”–and praying often. Survivors include a son, James; a daughter, Josephine Caponigro; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2825 W. 81st St., Chicago.
