Iris Jean Miletta Crilley

Iris Jean Crilley, age 73, passed away suddenly but peacefully in Caberete, Dominican Republic on October 11, 2017. She was born June 12, 1944 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to Anthony and Josephine Miletta and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She met the love of her life, Jim Crilley, at Dundalk High School and was married January 12, 1963. After having two beautiful daughters, they moved to Fallston, Maryland in 1973. Iris graduated from Towson State University with a degree in early childhood education and taught elementary school for many years. Working with children and cultivating their lifelong love of learning was her passion and together with Jim, they opened Stonewall Nursery School in 1978 on Stonewall Lane. The school eventually grew into Stonewall Day Care Center on Mountain Road in 1982 and became known as the most respected and admired childcare facility throughout Harford County. For the next 30 years, Ms. Iris ran the Center and her loving presence and guidance touched innumerable families throughout the community. Following her retirement, Iris enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling abroad. She was an amazing chef, had exquisite taste, and loved the Baltimore Orioles and horror movies. She was a voracious reader, a great poker player, and loved Broadway musicals and live theater. Iris was a mentor to students from local colleges, encouraged former students and teachers to develop their own childcare centers, and was truly loved by generations of families.

Iris is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jim, daughter Nicole and husband David Haught, daughter Milissa Lester and partner Tom Kanaras, and sister Cooky Miletta. Devoted grandmother of Paul Lester and wife Jessica, Joshua Stanley, Stacy Haught, and Nicholas Haught and partner Lindsay Fritz. Cherished great-grandmother of Ellyannah Lester, Nicholas Haught, Jr, and McKayla Haught. Beloved aunt of Jason Jones and Courtney Finamore and great nieces, Chloe Finamore and Tessa Finamore, and treasured sister-in-law to Teresa Payne and husband Richard, Kathy Funk and husband Keith, and Mary Lating-Cannaday.