Bernice Irene Crawford, 86 of Phelan, CA, formally from West Sacramento, passed away Saturday the 21st of April at her home due to Lymphoma. Services will be held at Desert View Mortuary, in Victorville, CA on May 21st. at 2:00pm. Deacon Santos is officiating and soloist Stephanie Santos-Owens will be singing in her honor.
Bernice or Bunny as she was known by her circle of friends was born on August 29, 1930 in Ludlow, MA. She attended Ludlow High and graduated in 1948. She moved away from her family making a long trip to California with her brother Howard in the 1950’s. She remained a California resident for the duration of her life.
While raising her family, she pursued her dream of becoming an educator and returned to college to obtain her BA in Education at San Jose State. At the age of 50, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education, where she became a teacher and was on both the President’s and the Dean’s list. She taught grades K-12th, touching many lives and provided tutoring and mentoring through retirement. Many students have become long time family friends and refer to her as “grandma” while staying in contact, even after having children of their own. After retirement, she and husband moved to southern California to be closer to family.
Bunny always looked for the “Positive” in every situation and one of her sayings when facing a problem was “there is no such thing as can’t”. She was a great encourager and that’s why she was the Greatest Mom Ever.
Bunny enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She loved Barbershop Harmony, crafting and going to the movies. She was a Sweet Adeline and enjoyed many a long night and weekend singing and sharing stories with friends. Her favorite vacation spots included Hawaii and Lake Tahoe, where she enjoyed the scenery and playing the slot machines. She also liked going to other states to visit her grandchildren and family members.
Bunny is preceded in death by her beloved husband and singing partner Phil S. Crawford, Sr. She is survived by her children: Paul Bachman (Robyn), Phil Crawford Jr., Debby Lynn (Ken), Chuck Crawford (Corrine), Marianne Schaffer (Hugh), and Dave Bachman (Tracie), several grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends, family and students. One of her best friends and her protector was Raven (Black Russian Terrier) who moved in and slept either in her bed or next to her on the rug.
Bunny’s internment will be with Phil at East Lawn/Sierra Memorial Park in Sacramento, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name can be made to St. Jude’s or another favorite charity of your choice.
The family wishes to extent their thanks and gratitude to Brookside Rehab, Charter Hospice and her loving caregivers: Linda, Marilyn, Lucille, Jeannie and Ashley of which made it possible to fulfill her desire to be at home during her final days.
Bunny is now resting in the arms of Jesus and has been reunited with her husband, family and friends, but she will live on in the hearts of those that loved her. We miss you mom.
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