Ernestine Campanelli Obituary, Death –Ernestine Campanelli, a beloved member of the South Plainfield community, bid farewell to the world on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the age of 97. Her passing occurred at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and warmth.
Early Years and Educational Pursuits
Born to the late Joseph and Caterina DeMarco in Plainfield, NJ, Ernestine was a proud graduate of the 1944 Plainfield High School. The roots of her nurturing nature became evident as she pursued a career in nursing after completing her high school education. Venturing into the world of healthcare, she attended St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick, where she earned the title of a Registered Nurse.
Dedicated Service to Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Ernestine’s professional journey was marked by over 30 years of service at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield. Working diligently on various floors, including the surgery recovery floor, she touched the lives of numerous patients with her caring and compassionate demeanor. Her commitment to healing extended to SurgiCenter in Watchung, NJ, where she continued to contribute before embracing a well-deserved retirement.
A Woman of Faith and Community Involvement
Devoted to her faith, Ernestine was a long-time parishioner of Sacred Heart RC Church in South Plainfield. Her commitment to community extended beyond the walls of the church, as she actively participated in the South Plainfield Senior Center. In her earlier years, she found joy in being a member of a local gardening club, showcasing her love for nature. Whether it was knitting, reading historical books, or cooking for her family, Ernestine embraced life’s simple pleasures.
Fond Memories and Family Ties
Ernestine’s life was interwoven with love and family bonds. Predeceased by her husband, Michael Campanelli, and siblings Joseph, Alfonse, Genevieve, and Vincenza, she leaves behind a lasting impact. Survived by her three children, Frank Campanelli and his wife JoAnne, Mary Ann Grundman and her husband Chip, and Cathy Pompilio and her husband Anthony, Ernestine’s legacy extends through her nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Her family, including Melissa Perone, Christopher Grundman, Catherine Jara, Sarah Connors, Michael Campanelli, Angela Mollet, Christine Polite, Daniel Pompilio, and Kyle Pompilio, will fondly remember her as a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering love.
Farewell Details and Memorial Services
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 3 PM to 7 PM.
The funeral mass, celebrating Ernestine’s life, will take place at Sacred Heart RC Church, 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 10 AM. Prior to the mass, family and friends may gather at the funeral home starting at 9 AM.
Ernestine Campanelli’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit lives on through the memories she created and the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously shared during her remarkable journey on this earth.
