Michael Cromwell Crowley

Michael Crowley was born on February 19, 1951, in Dallas, Texas and died on September 23, 2016, in Austin, Texas. The family moved to Austin in 1959 with Michael attending St. Austin's Catholic School, St. Edward's High School and graduating from McCallum High School in 1969 as a proud member of the Royal Court Players (RCP). He went on to earn his BA in English from The University of Texas at Austin. After a year at Paulist House at Boston University, where he contemplated entering the priesthood, Mike returned to Dallas to pursue his true passion in the world of high fashion. From a career that started at Neiman Marcus at Dallas/Northpark, he quickly was selected to Neiman's executive training program that ultimately led him to the role of couture buyer for Neiman's. After a number of years, he moved to New York City where he held several positions, most notably, as couture buyer at Bloomingdale's and finally, as Executive Vice President for Avon. Michael's real love was travel, and in his various roles was able to visit the fashion capitals of the world dozens of times including his favorite cities of Hong Kong and Paris.

Michael returned to Austin in 2007 to be close to his beloved mother with whom he shared a very special bond. As was found, Michael also returned with some special challenges that led him down many paths during his past nine years in Austin. He and his family were blessed with many friends, too numerous to mention, who tried to usher Michael to a recovery that simply never fully came. That said, his last 30 months were stable and peaceful thanks to the good folks of Family Eldercare and in particular, Shontell Gautier and the loyal friendship of Myra Janssens who befriended Michael even through his final four month battle with cancer.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Daniel J. Crowley. He is survived by his mother ( Mary) Ruth Crowley, his brother, Tim Crowley and his wife, Carol, and their children, Elizabeth, Chris and his wife Katie, all of Austin.

The family would also like to thank the staff at St. David's – North Austin and, particularly, Brookdale – Lakeway for the compassionate care provided to Michael during his final weeks.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 27 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish (3125 N. Lamar). Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to Family Eldercare, 1700 Rutherford Ln., Austin, Texas 78754 www.familyeldercare.org or to Mobile Loaves and Fishes – Community First project, 903 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746. www.mlf.org