Jane Anne Campion Fitch – Rochester

Jane Campion Fitch, 54, of Rochester, MN, passed away Tuesday, December 17th, 2024.

Jane was born November 26, 1970, in Rochester, MN to F.Ross and Peggy Campion. She attended Chatfield High School and graduated in 1989. She was a stylist for several years after completing Cosmetology school, and later worked at Mayo Clinic. She was married to Darrin Fitch, and later divorced.

Our lives became brighter the day Jane made her grand entrance into the world, following a large family gathering for Thanksgiving, hosted by her mom. From the very start, Jane was a bundle of energy and cuteness, a force of nature that brought both joy and, at times, exhaustion. At 9 months old, she was already walking and crawling out of her crib, needing only a 15-minute nap before charging ahead with her signature vitality—a trait that would carry her throughout her life.

As a child, Jane's adventurous spirit was evident in everything she did. She would bring us baby mice she found, carefully cradled in the palm of her hand, befriend raccoons, opossum, feral cats, and all sorts of other critters. We often found her sitting with the little piglets, in a pigpen, that again, she had crawled over and into. She taught herself to ride a two-wheel bicycle at the tender age of four, a clear sign of her independence and determination. Jane loved exploring and playing outside with her neighborhood best buddies, enjoyed tractor rides with her dad, and playing cards with her Grampa Leo, who also lived on the farm. Her deep love for animals knew no bounds, and throughout her adult years, her collection of pets (especially her chickens) grew as she cared for each one with the utmost affection.

Her creativity also shone brightly. In high school, Jane played the saxophone and starred as the wicked witch in the high school production of The Wizard of Oz, captivating audiences with her cackling, as she descended from the balcony of Potter Auditorium. She also graced the stage in several other plays, bringing her unique spark to every role. Her sense of style was another signature trait—always ahead of the curve, including the time she shaved off part of her eyebrows to channel Boy George.

As an adult, Jane spent many years working at Mayo Clinic, where she made lasting friendships. Outside of work, Jane found joy in car rides with her partner, Jim, cruising in the Z car, and weekends spent at Lake Pepin on their sailboat. Together, Jane and Jim built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared passions, decorating their house and cottage for every holiday, caring for their chickens and cats, tending to the wildlife outside their door, and simply enjoying each other's company.

Though Jane was deeply affected by her personal struggles, she was loved by those who knew her best. Her journey was often difficult, and despite the challenges, her family and friends will always remember her for the person she was—bright, vibrant, and full of life.

We honor her memory and the joy she brought to our lives. In the words of a good friend: "Spread your sparkles on us all, Jane, you were one of a kind."

Jane is survived by her son Noah Fitch of Eyota, MN, her mother Peggy Campion, of Eyota, MN, sister Sue (Steve) Carlson, of Rochester, MN, brother Dan (Kim) Campion, of Rochester, MN, nieces Claire (Jack) Dietz, of Minneapolis, MN, and Lauren (Jim) Frickle, of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by her significant other, Jim Heitmeyer, of Chester, MN. She was preceded in death by her son, Cal Ross Fitch, and her father.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held on Monday, December 30th, 2024, from 3:00-6:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester MN.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to an animal rescue of your choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .