It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Erna, who was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
“We remember her with hearts full of love and gratitude for the extraordinary woman she was. Her love was unconditional, and we will forever cherish the memories we shared with her. Though she may be gone, her spirit will live on in each of us. We love you Mutter, Oma, Urgroßmutter, Ururgroßmutter!”
Erna was preceded in death by her husband James Crabtree, Sr., her daughter, Fanny Belle Crabtree, brother, Eugen Schäffler, and sister, Anne Cannizzaro. She is survived by her brothers Manfred Schäffler (Sigrid Poerschke) and Karl (Marliss) Schäffler. Loving mother to Carolyn (Stan) Harrison, Maril (Ken) Hutcheson, James (Julie) Crabtree, Jr., and Kenneth (Julie) Crabtree, a cherished grandmother to thirteen grandchildren: Angela Harrison (Bryan Schalter), Stanley Harrison, Mark Harrison (deceased), Scott Harrison, Andrew (Tricia) Shelley, Steven (Amber) Shelley, Mindy Crabtree, James Crabtree, Jr. (deceased), Danielle (deceased) Crabtree (Josh Klinedinst), Melanie Crabtree, Nichole Crabtree (Joe Frank), Jennifer Crabtree (Mike Zanin), Jessica Crabtree (Bill Schmaltz), thirty-four great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren and many extended family members and dear friends in America, Germany, Italy, and Norway.
Born to Eugen Schäffler and Elsa Heß in 1935, she was four years old when WWII broke out and ten years old when it ended. Her young life was filled with hunger, hiding from bombs, lack of shoes, clothing and all the horrors of war. She had appendix surgery without anesthesia because it was saved for the soldiers; being held down by nuns until she passed out. By the time she met her husband, she could go for days without eating.
In 1950, she was in the Sports 50th Anniversary Leinzell Parade. Although not chosen as the queen, she was part of the entourage, a high honor. As a teenager, she worked at a needle factory in her hometown before meeting and marrying her husband, James, an American soldier stationed there. They moved to the U.S. in 1956, and her new husband had to go to Fort Benning, GA, to finish his service, while she and her newborn remained behind with a family she didn’t know. It is important to note that mom didn’t speak English. It was a challenging time for her. They eventually settled in Newport, KY, and then Royal Oak, MI. Erna became a U.S. citizen on October 31, 1977, and received a congratulatory letter from President Jimmy Carter. She was very proud of that accomplishment.
Her vocation was as a seamstress; however, later she worked as a cashier in the cafeteria at Madison Heights High School. A job she very much enjoyed because of being around the students.
Her unwavering faith was a testament to her deep relationship with Christ, and she was active in the church wherever she lived. The last two being in Michigan at Gospel Freewill Baptist Church in Warren, until they disbanded, and then she became a member at New Beginning General Baptist Church in Madison Heights.
Every Saturday, her daughters and her would make delicious German baked goods in anticipation of church visitors, which was very common. If you were near her while she was listening to her German music then you were dancing, if not, then a broom or mop was her partner. She loved traveling and went on many trips with her family and friends over the years.
When in Hawaii, she was so proud that she caught a Blue Striped Marlin and donated it to feed people at a local church. Erna was a very energetic and vibrant woman, stylish and a bit of a fashionista. An avid walker, she usually walked two to five miles a day. Everyone enjoyed her German accent, and she was a social butterfly, well-liked by all who met her. The Lord and her family were always her main priorities.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that she has been welcomed into God's eternal kingdom, reunited with those who have gone before her.
The family sends deepest regards and appreciation to the staff at Orchard Grove Rehab in Romeo, Sarah’s Care in Sterling Heights, the Residential Hospice caretakers, and The Village of Warren Glenn Apartments in Warren. To all the family and friends who lovingly gave of themselves, we are beyond grateful for all the support you have shown us throughout this time of grief. Your prayers, kindness and thoughts will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that therapy dolls for seniors with Alzheimer’s/Dementia be donated to a place of choice or we will donate on your behalf to various facilities and hospitals. Any doll or ethnicity is acceptable, as long as it’s safe for toddlers, without any small pieces, preferable size 15” or larger. Please don’t wrap. There are many varieties on Amazon and a broad range of prices and sales. Our mom found such continual comfort in her babies, and we would like to share that comfort with others.
A celebration of Erna’s life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Edward Swanson and Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071
"Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord..." - Matthew 25:23
