Mary Ann Crawford

Mary Ann Crawford, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1933, in Orlando, Florida, at Florida Sanitarium, to parents Andrew and Emma Yaros, both born in Czechoslovakia. In her early years, she spoke their native language and grew up on Rock Lake in Orlando alongside her beloved brother, Andrew Yaros, and sister, Emma Pella, both of whom preceded her in death.

Mary Ann graduated from Orlando High School and married Donald Sheppard Crawford, Sr., on May 9, 1953, while he was serving in the United States Navy. Together, they built a life centered on family and raised six children. She was a devoted mother and poured herself into the fabric of family life with a generosity that touched everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald S. Crawford, Sr.; her sons, Donald S. Crawford, Jr. and Douglas Crawford, Sr.; her brother, Andrew Yaros; and her sister, Emma Pella.

She is survived by her four loving children: Debbie Hill; Andy Crawford (Dianne); David Crawford (Lori); and Diane Taylor (Scott). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jeremy Chase Crawford, Douglas Crawford, Jr., William Crawford, Justin Crawford, Daniel Taylor, Cody Crawford, Cassie Gardner, Kirstie Germaine, Keith Crawford, and Stephanie Dye, and a cherished great-grandmother to Wyatt Crawford, Vander Crawford, Lexi Gardner, Ana Lynn Crawford, and Lucas Gardner.

Mary Ann was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved gardening, baking, crafting, playing bridge and bingo, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. She had a generous spirit and was always ready to help others. She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved dachshunds, Oscar, Sam, and Teddy.

She took great pride in her 45-year career as an Avon representative, but what meant most to her were the relationships she built along the way. To her many customers, she brought not only beauty products, but also warmth, laughter, companionship, and a listening ear. She was a familiar and welcome presence who touched countless lives with her kindness.

Her love of baking blossomed into a remarkable talent after she created her daughter’s wedding cake in 1976. From that moment on, she became a sought-after cake maker for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions. She was especially known for her Slovakian kolache rolls and her beloved Santa Claus cookies, which delighted generations of children.

Mary Ann was a former member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, and a member of the Red Hat Society in Orlando.

For the past two years, Mary Ann lived independently at Brookdale Senior Living in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where she formed many cherished friendships and found special companionship with David Blum.

Mary Ann leaves behind an irreplaceable space in the hearts of all who knew her, and a legacy of love, laughter, and homemade cake that will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Mary Ann’s life and a reception will be held at the community she most recently called home, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Please join the family at this time at Brookdale Lake Orienta, 217 Boston Avenue, Atlamonte Springs, Florida, 32701 (ph 407-225-8816)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Slovak Gardens, supporting its mission as a retirement community and cultural hub preserving Slovak heritage in Central Florida. Donations may be mailed to Slovak Gardens, Inc., 3110 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Fl, 32792, in memory of Mary Ann (Yaros) Crawford.