Date of Birth:
Sunday, August 24, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Age:
94 years old

Jane K. Campion

Jane Kathleen Campion, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, with family by her side at Madonna Towers in Rochester, Minnesota.

Jane was born August 24, 1930, in Lake City, Minnesota to Dr. Martin Francis and Mary (Tuohy) Campion. She attended McCahill Catholic Grade School in Lake City and graduated from there in 1948. While at McCahill she developed an affinity and admiration for her Franciscan teachers and modeled her life after their example. She then joined the Sisters of St. Francis in in Rochester, in 1949. She took her first promise in 1952 and final vows in 1955. She was given the name Sister Richaea. Jane earned her BS in nursing from The College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minnesota in 1955, and her master’s degree in nursing administration, from the University of Minnesota, in 1964. She was missioned to Saint Marys Hospital and worked as a nurse with a variety of supervisory, teaching, and administrative roles. In 1968 Jane went to Atlanta, Georgia where she taught at Emory University School of Nursing for three years. Later she became head of the Alcohol and Drug Section of the Georgia State Department of Health. Of this time in her life Jane recalled, “I felt called at this time to return to the secular world, to do what was mine to do, to fulfill my purpose in this world.” In 1977 she requested and received release from vows/religious life. She maintained her connection with the Franciscan Sisters and became one of the first three Cojourners. In 1976 Jane returned to Saint Marys Hospital as assistant administrator. Under the direction of Sister Generose, she assisted in the plans for the Mary Brigh building. She also provided administrative support to clinical activities at Saint Marys Hospital. In 1986 at the time of the merger of Saint Marys Hospital and the Mayo Clinic, she was asked to stay on. She transferred to the Mayo Clinic where she was appointed administrator for the Affirmative Action Program. Later, Robert Waller M.D., CEO of the Mayo Foundation, invited her to serve as director of Mayo’s newly formed Office of Diversity. In November 1990 she was appointed to the Mayo Voting Staff. She continued to serve at Mayo Clinic in the field of Diversity, Accreditation, and Hospitality for visitors from around the world and community activities in Rochester.

Jane retired in 1999. She received the Distinguished Emeritus Award in 2018. To say Jane was a pillar in the Rochester Community is an understatement. In 1981 she was on the Rochester State Hospital Task Force and was appointed as chair of the Rochester State Hospital Committee by Governor Albert Quie; she served on the Olmsted County Social Services Board several times; member of the Building Equity Together ( which evolved into the Diversity Committee), Madonna Towers Board; Rochester Catholic School Board; Rochester Area Foundation member; Ronald McDonald House Board member; Olmsted Medical Center Foundation Board member; and member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce.  Jane was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and always found the time to give of herself to her Church and faith. She lived a life of service and gratitude. Her concern was always for people, not things.

Jane had strong leadership skills which she utilized in all facets of her life. She was trusted by leadership, and all she knew, to “speak the truth”, seek positive solutions, and maintain the highest integrity. She demonstrated what it was to be simultaneously fierce and kind. She was firm and fair. She handled situations tactfully and with grace. She was a powerhouse of a woman who was instrumental in so many aspects of the Rochester community. She kept her finger on the pulse of this community that she loved so dearly, and impacted significantly. Jane was a mentor to many. If she saw someone who needed guidance, she was there shepherding them through the hurdles of their lives. She will be honored by many and sorely missed by all whose lives she touched. “Be good to yourself” was one of Jane’s favorite admonitions to all who reached out to her. She would want the same said today on her behalf to all of us whose lives were blessed by knowing her. May this incredible human being rest in peace.

Jane is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Campion of Lake City, nieces and nephews Kevin (Betsy) Campion, Steve (Kristine) Campion, Anne (Tom) Valentine, Jane (Tom) Coleman and Connee Campion, many grand nieces and nephews and one great-great niece. She also has left behind many wonderful friends who made her life so full and special.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Robert Francis (Bob), John William (Bill), sister and best friend Mary Elizabeth Campion, and her nephew, Michael Campion.

The memorial Mass for Jane will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. The service will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1315 12^th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

Memorials are preferred to the Rochester Ronald McDonald House, Mayo Foundation and Rochester Area Foundation.

“I believe in God’s master plan in lives.  He moves people in and out of others’ lives, and each leaves his mark on the other.  You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who ever touched your life, and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you.”

~Sister Mary Brigh