Gae Tilton-Campana (nee Eisenberg), age 63 of Eastlake passed away November 7th, 2016. She was born in Cleveland on December 29, 1952 to the late Dr. Martin James and Estelle Lois Eisenberg.
Most that knew Gae associate her with dancing. She was a professional dancer and choreographer who could perfect and teach just about any style from ballroom to jazz to samba to hip hop and all steps in between. She won a local competition in Cleveland and appeared on the television show, “Dance Fever”. She did not win the contest when she appeared on the show, but was so highly regarded by the producers, a clip of her routine was used in the opening credits. She routinely choreographed and put on shows in Cleveland clubs during the 1980s and eventually opened her own studio called Dance N’ Shop in Willowick.
Aside from dancing, Gae was a passionate family person who would do anything for those close to her. She spoiled her children and her grandchildren, constantly bragging about them to anyone who would listen. She spent many weekends watching youth football, city league basketball and softball, cheering loudly from the stands. Later in life, she was re-married, and absolutely adored her husband, Tom, and never wanted to be anywhere except by his side since the day they met.
She also was a dog lover and had several dogs during her life including a St. Bernard named Channing, a shar pei named Muggsy and a bull mastiff named Shaq.
Gae loved crossword puzzles, game shows, scratching lottery tickets and watching reality TV shows that centered around singing or dancing. She was the life of the party anywhere she went with a personality as big as her smile. People gravitated to her and she welcomed all into her heart.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Thomas M. Campana; dearest children, Bill (Jackie) Tilton and Allison “Ali” Tilton; beloved grandchildren, Timothy Paul Tilton and Alexis Rose Tilton; sister of Sheldon (Lori) Eisenberg, Fay (Ken) Swope and Laurie Borcziak; cousin and aunt to many.
Funeral Service 7 PM Friday, November 11, 2016 at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, located on the grounds of Jeff Monreal Funeral Home. Visitation 5-7 PM Friday at The Abbey.
