Nedra Ann Crow

November 21, 1951 February 6, 2026

Nedra Crow passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 in Carlsbad, CA on February 6, 2026, due to complications from a blood clot. She was born in Lynwood, CA on November 21, 1951, and grew up in Huntington Park and San Clemente, CA. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Edward Crow, her mother Marjorie Ida (Paddleford) Crow, and her brother Charles Douglas Crow.

Nedra is survived by her married partner, Joan Sebastian, daughters, Kate Sebastian (Bruce Woodard) and Lesley Sebastian (Bardia Kamrad), along with two grandchildren Ian and Elanor Sebastian. Her cousin Nancy Glarman and several nieces and nephews live in California. She is also survived by Maren Jeppsen her “adopted sister” and beloved longtime friend.

Nedra attended Brigham Young University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and health education (1973). She graduated in 1976 with her master’s degree in physical education and curriculum/instruction, also from BYU. In 1987, she completed a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education at the University of Utah.

Nedra was an extraordinary educator. In 1978, she began her teaching career at Monticello High School in San Juan School District, Utah. There she taught health and physical education. She coached several girls’ volleyball and track teams to district and regional championships. Her final year there, she served as Assistant Principal.

She left Southern Utah to pursue her doctoral degree at the University of Utah (U of U), where she held several teaching and research assistant positions. She then became an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. She worked closely with several school districts throughout the Salt Lake Valley helping to create the Professional Development School (PDS) model. Countless student teachers participated in the PDS program where they learned the craft of teaching alongside model classroom teachers.

From 1993 to 2000, Nedra served as Associate Dean for Professional Development and Outreach in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Utah. In her role she led the teacher accreditation process in collaboration with Utah Office of Education. She also facilitated the Graduate School of Education’s move from quarters to semesters.

In 2001, Nedra accepted a position as Professor at National University, in La Jolla, California. In addition to teaching in the Single Subject Teacher credential program and serving as the department chair, she was instrumental in the creation of many new programs. She also collaborated with educators and the California Office of Education in the development of a statewide Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) process.

Nedra was a master classroom teacher and teacher educator. She was passionate about improving educational experiences for the children of Utah and California. Because of her personal and leadership qualities, she created educational excellence in many different environments.

Nedra retired from National University in 2018 and returned with her partner Joan to live in Utah. She loved to work in the yard, ride her road bike up Emigration Canyon and hike in the mountains of Utah. She traveled the world, from China, to South Africa to Europe.

Wherever Nedra went she connected with those around her. She was genuinely interested in and open to everyone she met. She was compassionate and cared for all life forms. Insects, animals, plants and people came under her care, including Jack, her special spoiled orange cat. She will be missed by her family, many friends and colleagues. She touched and inspired us all with her joy and love of life.

A celebration of Nedra’s amazing life will be held in Utah and California sometime in the future. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Nedra’s name. She would love that.