Barbara Crowe

CROWE, Barbara
Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Friday, November 21, 2008 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Barbara was born April 10, 1921 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Clarence and Adele Linihan Schoolmaster and was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. She was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church and had graduated from Nazareth College with a BA. On April 7, 1945, she married Miles E. Crowe, who preceded her in death on December 27, 1992. She was also preceded by her parents and her two brothers, Charles Betty Schoolmaster and C. Howard Barbara Schoolmaster. After college, she devoted her life to raising their five daughters. Her life revolved around her husband, Miles, her children and grandchildren. For over 30 years, she and her family had a Saturday morning tradition of gathering for "Coffee and Rolls". There was even a float in the Doo-Daa Parade with many of the family members riding on the float. She also supported her girls when they played softball. Barbara is survived by her children, Susan Bill Shields of Kalamazoo, Jan Joe Haase of Galesburg, Shari Craig Crawford of Kalamazoo, Marilyn Crowe of Portage and Nancy Don Thompson of East Grand Rapids, MI.; 13 grandchildren, Laurie Shields, Troy Monica Shields, Andrea Frederic Beuter, Mark Judy Haase, Steve Jessica Haase, Sarah Bryan Tichy, Tim Crawford, Chris Stacy Crawford, John Christinna Toepper, Jamie Toepper, Scott Alyssa Thompson, Cathy Alex Andros, and Jennifer Thompson; 16 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marge Crowe of Battle Creek; several nieces and nephews; and her special companion, Nikki, her dog. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 530 W. Kilgore, with Rev. Fr. Lawrence Farrell, celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., on Monday from 3-7 PM, where a Scripture Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Heritage Community Kalamazoo Staff Recognition Fund or the charity of one's choice.