Dorothy (Ryan) Crawford

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, April 27, 1919
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Age:
92 years old

Visitation

Date: Friday August 05, 2011
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Prayer Service: 7:30 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Saturday August 06, 2011
Time: 12:30 pm

Funeral Service

Date: Saturday August 06, 2011
Time: 1:30 pm

Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, April 27, 1919
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Age:
92 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, April 27, 1919
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Age:
92 years old

Dorothy (Ryan) Crawford

Dorothy (Ryan) Crawford age 92 of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at her home in Rochester. Dorothy Ryan was born with an identical twin, Della, on April 27, 1919 at the family farm, in Belle Creek, MN to Daniel “DD” and Emma Ryan. Dorothy attended Belle Creek country school and soon thereafter, she and her sister moved to Rochester and began working. Dorothy held various positions at Waters Conley, the Kahler Hotel, and Mayo Clinic. On June 14, 1942 she married Harold C. Crawford in Rochester. She retired from Mayo Clinic at the age of 72 in 1991.

Dorothy is survived by five children: Dick Crawford of Oregon, Sherrie (Jon) Brooks of Arkansas, Tim (Julie) Crawford of Bemidji, MN, Ann Crawford (Brad) Fitzsimmons of Eden Prairie, MN, and Kitty Crawford Ryan of Rochester. She is survived by her identical twin Della Cutting of Arizona, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a God-daughter: Franciscan Sister LaLonde Ryan of Rochester. She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, and ten siblings.

Dorothy was a passionate sports fan and enthusiast who loved cheering for the MN Vikings and MN Twins.   She was an accomplished baker and cook and was often seen in her garden, where she meticulously grew various vegetables and flowers. Dorothy had a deep faith and was known to always help those who were less fortunate. She was also an extremely sensitive and caring sister for her brothers. Her life’s meaning revolved around her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Her closest friend and soul-mate throughout her life was her twin sister Della.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 1:30pm at St. Francis Catholic Church, with father Mark McNea officiating. Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm (with a prayer service at 7:30pm) on Friday, August 5, 2011 at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Memorials are preferred to the Mayo Hospice Program, and the Sisters of St. Francis at Assisi Heights.

Macken Funeral Home of Rochester is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Dorothy (Ryan) Crawford has received the following condolences.

So sorry to learn of great aunt Dorothy's passing.  I remember her visits (usually with Della) to Hibbing to see my grandpa Dan and later my dad and uncle Bob.  The last visit I recall was in the late mid-late 90's at our lake cabin, I had taken a great picture of everyone during that visit but the developing company lost the film.  My dad always enjoyed seeing "the twins". 

You are all in our thoughts and prayers,

LeeAnn and Ruth

So sorry to learn of great aunt Dorothy's passing.  I remember her visits (usually with Della) to Hibbing to see my grandpa Dan and later my dad and uncle Bob.  The last visit I recall was in the late mid-late 90's at our lake cabin, I had taken a great picture of everyone during that visit but the developing company lost the film.  My dad always enjoyed seeing "the twins". 

You are all in our thoughts and prayers,

LeeAnn and Ruth

Kitty, Tim(-Julie), Sherrie, Dick and Ann:

Dorothy was my beloved neighbor for five years.  I'm so sad I didn't know, and missed the funeral to honor her and celebrate her life!  I'm hoping you receive my note even after the funeral. 

I remember the first time I met Dorothy after moving in nextdoor.  She asked me how much I bought my house for; I sidetracked but probably by the next day I disclosed it and we became fast friends!  You see, the only reason she asked was because she lived independently and was interested in being informed on her property worth.  Our age difference didn't matter.  How blessed I was to have a stand-in mom, grandmother-type, and dear friend all rolled into one!  Not to mention she was a great cook to swap recipes with, although there was probably more receiving on my end.  The doors to our houses were always open to each other.  I think I can still hear her say, "Yo-hoo, Linda, it's Dorothy!"  She was such a mainstay to Kitty's family, and I think she lived as long as she did because she felt needed. 

I would have loved seeing you all.  A special hi to all Kitty's kids, you were all so good looking and talented.  I remember Nichole's catering and refereeing, Whitney rubbing Dorothy's feet, Emerson's great play, Keirden and her horses--and Zorro!  To Katrine, I don't know if you remember, you used to call me Della-Linda, all those L's. 

Dorothy, God sure made his best in you. 

Blessings, all. 

Linda Vonch
lindavonch@yahoo.com

 

To all the family- our thoughts and prayers are with you. (I knew Dorthy only by Gramma, through Nicole Clark)...She was an amazing, strong and faithful woman! May you all remember all the fun times and know she is in a beautiful place!

Never having known Mrs. Crawford, her qualities and personality have been clearly expressed through our colleague Ann.  A remarkable nurse whose positive and profound contributions to her family, patients and co-workers are a fitting tribute to her mother's caring, guidance and love.

Our deepest condolences to Ann and her entire family for their loss.

Many of my childhood memories include the Crawford family.  "Mrs. Crawford" made me feel part of her family and it was always a treat to run into her around town, sharing a hug and a laugh.  She was a "lady" in every sense of the word and just knowing she is gone fills me with a feeling of loss.  And her pea and cheese salad was to die for!

My deepest sympathy to all the family.

Ann, Brad, Isaac and Keaton,

We are so sad to hear of your Mom's passing Ann. I will always remember her climbing the basketball bleachers in Rochester to watch Isaac play.  She was cheering right along with us "silly" Moms.  What a great example of love and support, and a wonderful gift to you and your family.  I know where you get your big heart.

God's Peace,

The Meyers

Wendy, Paul and Ben

its so sad see someone that cares and out going. I will will miss her and I will be missing  talking to her when I deliver her paper. I am pleased to know her.

To my wonderful mother-in-law,

I will, as many of us, will miss you so dearly.  From the first day I met you I never once felt uncomfortable in your presense.  You were always there for those in need.  Your giving personality touched so many.  You gave me the love of my life and I will forever be grateful for this.  Thank you for giving so much of yourself to all of us and reminding us the positives in life outweigh the challenges all of face at times during our selfish ways.