Maria Fraioli Campo, 96, of North Providence, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Colfelice, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Matteo and Maria (Lancia) Fraioli. Maria immigrated to the United States from Italy after World War II as a young woman and built a life defined by resilience, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Growing up in war-torn Italy shaped Maria’s extraordinary strength and perseverance. During World War II, German forces occupied her family’s home, forcing them to flee into the mountains for several months in search of safety. The war also brought unimaginable tragedy, as Maria lost her sister, Gina, her brother-in-law, Alessio, and their two young children during the bombardment of their apartment. During this time, her father was in the United States working as a mason and carpenter. When Maria was just 17 years old, he was finally able to bring her and one of her brothers to America to begin a new life. Though she received only a third-grade education, Maria never allowed that to define her. Through determination, hard work, and sacrifice, she built a beautiful life and instilled those same values in her children, all of whom went on to earn doctoral degrees in their respective fields.

Shortly after arriving in the United States, Maria began working at California Artificial Flowers (CalArt), where she met her dearest friend of more than 70 years, the late Calliope Salzillo. Their lifelong friendship remained a treasured part of her life.

Known by many as “Momma Camps,” Maria was the heart of her family and the center of every gathering. She worked tirelessly throughout her life, making countless sacrifices to create opportunities for those she loved. Her home was always open, her kitchen was always full, and no one ever left her house hungry—whether they planned to eat or not. A remarkably talented cook, Maria never relied on recipes and could prepare an unforgettable meal at a moment’s notice. She became famous among family and friends for her homemade pasta, macaroni and meatballs, spinach pies, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, lentil soup, rice pies, and countless other Italian specialties. More than the meals themselves, she leaves behind a legacy of family traditions, treasured recipes, and a love of cooking that will continue through her children and grandchildren for generations to come.

Maria also had an extraordinary gift for gardening. She could seemingly grow anything, even from the smallest clipping. Time and again, she would place what looked like nothing more than a tiny piece of a plant into a glass of water. Her family would smile and jokingly insist, “That’s never going to grow.” Before long, roots would appear, followed by another thriving plant. The beautiful collection of plants that filled both her home and gardens stood as a testament to her remarkable green thumb. Her bright smile that quietly said, “I told you so,” brought laughter and joy to everyone around her.

Anyone who knew Maria knew she was fiercely independent until the very end. She was still driving her beloved Chevrolet, affectionately named “Betsy,” and continued shopping, attending church, exercising, and even making her famous spinach pies well past her 95th birthday. A firm believer in healthy eating and staying active, Maria exercised six days a week at the North Providence Senior Center for many years, often spending two hours riding the stationary bike, walking on the treadmill, and lifting weights until she was 94 years old. One day she proudly announced that she was cutting back to just three days a week, giving her family endless opportunities to tease her for “slacking off.”

Maria’s deep Catholic faith guided every aspect of her life. She faithfully attended Mass every Sunday and often throughout the week, prayed the Rosary daily, and remained a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her prayers were constant—not only for her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but for all children, especially those who were sick or suffering.

Sister of the late Frank Fraioli and Pepino Fraioli, Maria is survived by her beloved children: Dr. Salvatore Campo and his wife, Sherilynn; Steven Campo, DBA; Debra Campo, DNP., and her partner, Richard Hensel; and Paul Campo, J.D., and his wife, Amy. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kianna, Matthew, Kendra, Andrea, Carissa, Paul Jr., Alessandra, Gigi, and Kaylei; her great-grandchildren, Marcella and James; and her beloved nieces, Gina and Maria Antonietta, and her nephew, Alessio, all of Colfelice, Italy, who continue to live on the family’s original farm.

Her family finds comfort in the countless memories they shared with her and in knowing that her strength, resilience, generosity, humor, unwavering faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was a powerful force in the lives of her family and friends and will be deeply and forever missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith Street, North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Burial will be private at St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Maria’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.