Age 93
March 16, 1925 – July 24, 2018
As we enter this time of year for giving thanks, we want to thank all those who touched her life and supported her through her journey, especially over these last few years. With sadness in our hearts we announce the death of our mom, long-time Dearborn resident, Dorothy Crowley, who passed away peacefully in her home in Centennial, Colorado.
She was the wife, best friend and equal partner of Thomas E. Crowley, Jr. (deceased 1994), and mother to Kathy (Mike) Taylor, Tom (Andi) Crowley, III, Amy (Kate) Crowley and Sue (Jim) Cox.
Dorothy was also grandmother to Tom Crowley, IV and Kate (Boyce) Elliott, and great grandmother to Eryn, Lilu and Bailey Elliott.
She was the sister of Beatrice (Newt) Eade and Joyce (Bob) Bolo, and Sister in Law to Joan (Crowley) & George Curran, Rhea (Appleyard) & Bruce Crowley, and was a loving Aunt to scads of cousins, their children and their children.
Among our many cherished memories of our mom, Dorothy:
• Grew up in the first house built in the Dearborn Ford Homes Historic District on Park Street from
which she walked to school five miles in each direction, with snow up to here.
• Was a champion speller, as evidenced by her intrepid win at the 1936 Detroit News spelling bee
• Was a graduate of Michigan State College in 1947 earning a degree in Early Childhood
Development which she parlayed into a job as Librarian with Dearborn Public Libraries. She took
great joy in her work with children, encouraging a love of reading and learning.
• Was a proud Chi Omega sister and member of National Association of University Women
• Was an ace Bridge player – a/k/a Thirteen no-trump Do
• Was a lifelong volunteer including her work as a Cub Scout Den mother, Girl Scout leader, Henry
Haigh Elementary School Room Mother and volunteer at the Dearborn Baby Clinic.
• Was an AFS Host Mom for Guy Thinnes (Luxembourg), Monika Giselle (Switzerland), Elena Ninci
(Argentina) and Veronique Damas (Belgium)
• Was a baker of bread on a snowy day
• Was a killer of Brussels sprouts, and sometimes other unsuspecting vegetables
• Was a great listener and dispenser of sage advice to her children and their friends – especially
around encouraging people to strive for their dreams, live their life fully and to treat all people well
and with kindness.
She possessed, til the end, an indomitable spirit, unwavering optimism and keen sense of humor – and we miss those longingly.
Dorothy’s family will hold a memorial service in Dearborn, next June.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Friends of the Library – Dearborn.
C/O: Maryanne Bartles, Library Director, Dearborn Public Library
16301 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
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