A photo of Jeff Monreal, owner and operator of Jeff Monreal Funeral Homes posing in a black suit with no background

Painesville Location

1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077

Willoughby Location

38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Mentor Location

6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060

Gae Lynn Tilton-Campana

12/29/1952 — 11/07/2016

A professional portrait photo of Gae Lynn Tilton Campana smiling for the camera wearing a blue blouse and golden earrings

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.

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14 Replies to “Gae Lynn Tilton-Campana”

  1. Sheldon (Lori) Eisenberg November 9, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    To my beautiful sister Gae , you will be in my heart forever I love you. P.S. When you meet up with Mom and Dad give them my love.

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  2. I remember many family meals together at Grammas and Grampas. Playing bingo and arm wrestling are great memories. RIP CUZ!

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  3. Christine schneider Olm November 9, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    My prayers are with the family of Gae tilton-campana it’s been sometime since I’ve seen her and I remember her love for dance I remember her daughter Ali she was such a cute and sweet little girl I use to babysit her and I worked for her sister Fae too even though I haven’t seen them for awhile Gae will be missed

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  4. Wow so sorry!!!! I thought of her often-will miss her greatly!!!! So sad-loved her!!!

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  5. So sorry to hear about your mother. Lost mine in 2005 so I know how it feels. Prayers and thoughts your way.

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  6. We are out of town until the 15th but sincere thoughts and prayers to the family!

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  7. I knew Gae and her dad and later Tom for many years. She was sweet and funny and kind and sincere and one of the most enjoyable people it was my privilege to know. Tom, Peggy and I express our deepest condolences. She is missed.

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  8. BILL: So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.

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  9. I can not believe what I’m seeing. She was one of my very favorite customers at the circle k store many years ago. Always had that big beautiful buddy of hers (doggie) hanging out the window of her car. Sad news to see. Rest well my friend.

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  10. What a huge loss, I miss you so much. Least we all know we have an angel watching over us.

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  11. Dr. Campana, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. God bless you.

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  12. You lit up the room with your personality. And I’ve rarely seen anyone love their husband as much as you loved Tom. Putting life together again without you will be so, so difficult. You will be forever missed.

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  13. So very sorry to hear about your loss. God bless you and your family!

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  14. Bill, I was shocked to hear about your mom. You’ll miss her more than you can ever imagine. Her unconditional dedication and love to your sister demanded my respect. I know Jackie, Timmy and Lexie will miss her terribly too. Aunt Jan

    Reply

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