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Nancy Crown Obituary
Nancy Myron Crown, the devoted and fabulous mother of Molly and Sam, died suddenly on Saturday, June 11 while vacationing in Newport Beach, CA at an annual gathering of longtime friends from business school and their families.
In addition to her children, Nancy is survived by her very close family; Jane Crown of Charlotte NC, Susan Crown and Greg Toto and their children Katherine and George of Piedmont, CA and Mary Crown and William Ellis and their children Corson and Simon of Wellesley, MA, along with her 96-year old aunt, C. Elizabeth Crown of Media, PA. Nancy and her three sisters had a profound bond, facilitated by constant group texting and frequent calls. Their deep love and support to each other and their families has helped them deal with what ever challenges came their way. Nancy was born in Evanston, IL in 1962 to Joseph and Mary Lou Crown, and reared in Poughkeepsie, NY. She graduated from Wesleyan University and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business. She began her career in Chicago with National Westminster Bank and later at First Chicago and the City of Chicago Department of Housing before moving to Charlotte in 1997 to work for Nation's Bank / Bank of America. Since then Nancy had her ideal job at Bank of America Community Development Corporation where she developed affordable housing in cities around the country. The impact on these communities will be one of her lasting legacies. Nancy had a fixed moral compass and a great and genuine interest in others. She was generous with her time, serving on multiple committees at her church, Holy Comforter, and on the boards of several community organizations, including the Charlotte Housing Authority. Just recently, her frustration with the divisive political climate in the country drove her to found, with her sisters, a grassroots effort to encourage civil political discourse and increased bipartisanship and compromise named Bridge the Political Divide. A voracious reader, Nancy could always be counted on for a good book recommendation. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved Diet Coke, her dog Marty, but most of all, Nancy loved being a mom to Molly and Sam, who were, without a doubt, the greatest joy of her life. Nancy somehow helped everyone to be a better version of his or herself. Her large group of friends from the many times and aspects of her life is testament to this. Nancy was loved by many, will be missed by those who knew her well, and her passing is a great loss to those who had not yet had the privilege of knowing her. It was always a gift to be in her presence.
A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 2701 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, June 21, at 3 pm with a reception to follow the service. Interment will be private and take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider signing the petition at BridgeThePoliticalDivide.com. Charitable donations can be made to Loaves and Fishes, Charlotte NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Crown
Sponsored by Crown Family.
Kathi Knier
June 28, 2016
I worked with Nancy many years ago on the Double Oaks project, and have long since admired her intellect and true devotion to providing housing for those in need in our community. She was one-of-a-kind and will certainly be missed.
Zanne Newman
June 27, 2016
Dear Crown Sisters,
Crown Sisters-
This is such an impossible loss for you three women. The Power of Four will continue throughout your lives. She has left a lasting legacy for so many and especially her two wonderful children. Her good deeds will carry on forever. We will all miss her easy manner, her quick smile and her deep laughter. A wonderful women is now forever in our hearts and minds. HUGS and PEACE to all of you. I love you all.
June 24, 2016
Dear Mary,
so sorry to hear of your loss. A special "band" of sisters. Your stand with the Bridge the Political Divide, so needed.
thoughts and prayers to you and your family
rebecca dean west virginia
Charline Cipriano
June 21, 2016
Nancy was a regular client at our dog grooming shop. She clearly cared deeply for her two children, but also loved her sweet cockapoo, Marty. We had the pleasure of caring for him over the past six years. Nancy was a delightful woman who always had a smile on her face. We are going to miss her.
Our deepest condolences to the Crown Family,
Charline Cipriano
Classic Grooming
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Janet, Jeff and the Great Harvest Crew
June 21, 2016
We just learned of Nancy's sudden passing, and our hearts are aching. We did not know her as well as many of you, but for years we got to visit with her briefly twice a week when she would breeze into the bakery to pick up her standing order of Cinnamon Chip Bread for Molly and Sam. She didn't pick up last week ... and we had no idea why, until now. Heartbreaking. This picture of her seems perfect, as her smile is what we will remember most. Deepest condolences to the entire family in this devastating loss of a shining light.
Nicole Gross
June 21, 2016
Every morning I wake up hoping it was just a bad dream and Nancy is still with us. She was a bright light and touched many people's lives by her generous, kind and loving heart. I had the pleasure of getting to know Nancy while witnessing her physical transformation thru my very eyes. Her dedication to her own health and fitness inspired me beyond words. Conversations we shared over the past 10+ years while she dropped down and gave me 20 burpees (with a smile on her face!) are forever embedded in my mind. Many of our chats were about her amazing kids. Molly and Sam, your Mom adored you...you two were her very best friends and she will always be proud of you. Nancy's outlook and perspective on life were spot on and I know she will continue to bless us with her brightness for eternity. My heart pours out to the Crown Family.
June 20, 2016
The Dilworth Soup Kitchen extends our condolences. Nancy was part of the group of families that set up the dining room every Sunday night so it would be sparkling for Monday's lunch. This group for volunteers were rarely seen and rarely known but gave much time and effort. Nancy was a crown of light.
Allen B. Saxe
Founder of the Dilworth Soup Kitchen
Lori Fultz Schmitt
June 19, 2016
I would like to extend my condolences to Nancy's family. She was a unique individual and dedicated herself to many important causes. I was honored to work with her while she served on the the Smart Start Board of Directors. She will certainly be missed by many.
Steve Quasny
June 18, 2016
Nancy was truly someone who both understood and valued the word friend. Memories of correspondence - handwritten in the days long before text and email will make me smile forever. And that laugh on the other end of the phone? Oh my word! I miss it already but am so glad she shared it with me and with others. It was my privilege to call Nancy my friend.
David Booker
June 17, 2016
So very sad! Nancy and her roommate, Pam, had the room directly above the double room that I shared with my roommate, Jim, during our freshman year at Wesleyan. She was a good person, and the world is a lesser place without her. May she rest in peace!
Flora McCormack
June 17, 2016
Such sad news. Why is it that we often don't learn of the true measure and goodness of a person until they are gone? I hope the love, strength, kindness and courage that was Nancy will see her loved ones through this sad time.
Michelle Dagenhart
June 17, 2016
Nancy was a great woman who devoted her boundless energy and love to her children and family, her meaningful career, her community and beyond. She will be so missed...
dorothy irvin
June 17, 2016
Prayers for her family and friends. May her work continure
C. Little
June 17, 2016
I want to extend my condolences to the family of Ms. Crown. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Leroy Moore
June 16, 2016
Nancy made the world around her so much more beautiful and always had a genuinely happy greeting for you every time she was in your presence. I will never forget the passion and professionalism she always displayed. It was an absolute blessing to work alongside her. Be comforted in knowing Nancy completed her race and used her spiritual gifts to better her community.
Lisa F
June 16, 2016
Nancy was a part of our Bosom Buddies Book Club for over 20 years!! I still cannot believe she is not here with us. The most important thing to Nancy was Family. She was so proud of Molly and Sam and loved them so much. I enjoyed all of her insight in our book discussions , but even more importantly, i loved her insights on life. I will miss her so much!! My prayers are with the family. ❤
V Lindsey
June 16, 2016
Thank you for fighting the good fight. Prayers for your family.
Marybeth Storts
June 16, 2016
My heartfelt sympathies to Molly, Sam and the entire Crown family. I worked with Nancy for a number of years at Bank of America CDC and truly enjoyed our interactions. Nancy was a caring, positive and down to earth person. She has left her mark on many communities through her efforts in affordable housing. God bless each of you. RIP Nancy.
Beth Hardin
June 16, 2016
I had the privilege to know Nancy and her parents, primarily through Holy Comforter. To her larger family, know that we will love and support Molly, Sam, and Jane during the days, months, and years ahead. Nancy was a bright light, but our spirits have been energized by hers and remain committed to the faith, hope, and love that characterized her life.
barbara miller
June 16, 2016
Thank you Ms Crown for standing up for democracy... The mission continues...condolences to your family.. RIP
#wearacrown #unitedforthecrown #crownlives
Ann Skeet
June 16, 2016
It is a rare thing to know and appreciate the extended family of friends, but that is how I have come to feel about Susan's sisters and parents over the 25 years we have been friends here in the Bay Area. Molly and Sam have been blessed with a mother who has been a force in the lives of many known and unknown to her--a beautiful legacy. She is the Crown sister who would find me in the corner of the living room at the Crown family gathering of the moment, tell me about a great book she thought I would enjoy especially and find a way to connect to what was happening in my life even though we only saw each other a few times. Of course BridgeThePoliticalDivide started in her kitchen, with her sisters, inspired by her children. How else would it be? Peace and love to all of the Crown family. Annie (sending love from Bill, Emma and John Henry)
Patrice Britz
June 16, 2016
I know Nancy was a wonderful, active, involved, caring Mom and classroom parent. She was so supportive of Molly and Sam and she often stopped in our classroom to say hello and offer her kindness when I taught them at Park Road Montessori several years ago. Both Nancy and Jane regularly participated in school and classroom events. They continuously, actively encouraged and assisted Molly and Sam to become the wonderful people that they are today. Nancy was an astute, warm and caring member of our classroom community of parents and children. I send happy thoughts of Nancy, and affection from afar to all of Nancy's family - particularly hugs and love, and a special prayer for strength, for Molly, Sam and Jane.
John S.
June 16, 2016
Nancy, may you rest in peace, the Lord has seen your good deeds and calls you home. May he give comfort to all who morn your passing, may he give strength to those you left behind, and may your memory shine relentlessly in all of us until we reconvene in the presence of our Savior. You MADE a difference .... for many of us and many more who will never know..... Thank you.
Leonard Burke
June 16, 2016
I wish I had more time with Nancy but I value the interactions I can remember. I support her efforts in making America a better place for everyone to live.
Kandice Moore
June 16, 2016
Deepest sympathies
Ron Paschal
June 16, 2016
Share your passion for the homeless having served as exec. Director of Community Housing Corp. for 10 years. Thank you for your efforts on their behalf. Also Washington needs to get its purposes redirected to solving problems. God Bless!
Alonzo, Shahidah,Najee Abdul-Haleem
June 16, 2016
To: Molly/Sam and the rest of the family. You were classmates with my son Najee in Patrice's room at Parkroad Montessori. Words cannot express what I feel for you right now and I can't even reach the depths of your feelings. I want to extend to you our deepest sympathy. May the fond memories of your mom keep her alive in your life. She was so spectacular and I'm sure both of you are a chip off the old block. It may be hard to grasp this but she is in a better place. Her smile and kind spirit will forever be remembered. You are in our prayers.
Andrea Karpel
June 16, 2016
So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. My condolences to Susan, Mary, and the rest of her wonderful family and friends.
June 16, 2016
Dearest Nancy,
I read the letter you sent me last week where are so gracious and thanking me for being Sam and Molly's teacher. I was so moved by your sentiments that I wrote you back...I thanked you for being the type of parent that makes every teacher's job easier. You were always so present to your children as well as children who faced struggles from poverty. Your caring spirit showed in every connection I had with you...
We were planning to meet next week. I will keep our date open and create an act of kindness in your honor. Your gentle but powerful spirit lives on!
Miss Maggie
June 16, 2016
I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and especially to her children Molly and Sam.
You two were her true pride and joy. I had the privilege of working with Nancy on several
affordable housing developments in Charlotte. She was a wonderful, smart, selfless, and kind
individual who gave her time and shared her talent with all. She will be greatly missed but never
forgotten.
Zelleka Biermann
City of Charlotte
Larry Rothrock
June 16, 2016
I worked directly with Nancy for a number of years at Bank of America's CDC where our Charlotte-based group helped develop many units of affordable housing in Charlotte and around the country. An incredible, bright, hard-working advocate for those who needed decent housing, I find it hard to believe she is gone from us.
Goodbye, Nancy, like many others I will miss your infectious sense of humor, your political savvy, your fantastic work ethic for those less fortunate, and those lovely humorous poetic rhymes in your cards I got from you every Christmas season.
Molly and Sam, I can't believe your mom is gone; you have my utmost sympathy.
Shirley Fulton
June 16, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire Crown family. My prayers are with you.
Adam Goldberg
June 16, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Paul Knudsen
June 16, 2016
Our thoughts are with dear friend Susan and all of Nancy's family. Everyone at San Francisco CASA is thinking of you.
Mrs. Delaney @piedmont
June 16, 2016
My heart goes out to the Crown family. Ms. Crown was an awesome mother and an extraordinary woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynne Bowman
June 16, 2016
I feel such a loss having never had the chance to meet Nancy, and I'm grateful her work will be continued.
Eric Kuczarski
June 16, 2016
You will be missed Nancy, it was a real pleasure having you as our partner on so many affordable housing deals throughout New England.
Dakota Partners, Inc.
Robyn Jones
June 16, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family of Nancy Crown. She was a joy to work with and I will miss her infectious smile and bright personality. I pray that her family and friends find comfort in her beautiful spirit. Sending prayers to comfort you during this difficult time.
Carol Kelly
June 16, 2016
Dear Jane, Susan, Mary, Molly, Sam, and rest of family, Sending all of you my deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort during this unbelievable time.....
I've never known such a beautiful woman who had such a vibrant attitude and zest for life, ALWAYS wearing her lovely smile along with her warmhearted laughter, so uplifting.
God be with all of you .....Love, Carol (Kelly)
Cheryl Ray
June 16, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. The world has lost a great woman. She was our neighbor for years and she was always so kind with a smile that would brighten even the darkest day. You will be deeply missed.
Girlie Ortiz
June 16, 2016
Our hearts go out to Nancy's entire family specially to Molly and Sam. Words cannot describe how we felt at the moment but we know Nancy's is now resting in peace. We lost a very honorable and caring person. Our prayers will continue for her entire family.
F. Taylor
June 16, 2016
To The Crown Family,
So sorry for your loss. Sometimes, the loss of a love one may seem unbearable. Mourn and grieve as you must. "For everything there is an appointed time, even...a time to weep." Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.
With Peace and Loving-Kindness,
Amy Campbell
June 16, 2016
Nancy was my champion when I started working at Bank of America almost 3 years ago. We had an instant connection. After every encounter, after every long talk, I always felt better after being with her. She would always tell me that the 'glass was half full' and I had to try and look at my life like that, even when things weren't looking good. I will miss her great smile, and that contagious laugh. Sam & Molly, you are in my heart. I loved your Mom and she will live on through you both and certainly through so many others. Your Mom really made a difference in my life - she was very special to me and she will always be a voice in my head telling me to do the next right thing. I feel very lucky to have known your Mom and I miss her.
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