RICHMOND, Virginia
CROW, Elsie Kessler, 88, of Richmond, Va., passed away Sunday, July 28, 2013. She was born March 10, 1925 in Monessen, Pa., to George Kessler and Barbara Schmittlen, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William H. Crow; her daughter, Barbara L. Crow; her sisters, Marie Kessler and Barbara Doerfler, Eva Plumleigh and Katherine Sabolek; brothers, George, Marty, Joe, Fred and Leo Kessler. She is survived by her children, Bill Crow of Mechanicsville, Va., Don (Mil) and Joe Crow of Richmond, Va., Mark Crow (Lea) of Rimini, Italy, and Becky Crow Graser of Tappahannock, Va.; former in-law children, Jackie Crow of Chester and William S. West of Richmond; grandchildren, nieces, nephews and abundant extended family. Elsie has fond memories of her school age years growing up in Monessen, Pa., where she attended St. Leonard's Catholic School K-8, and graduated from Monessen High School in 1942. During WWII, Elsie worked for Carnegie Steel Company in Braddock, Pa. as a real-life "Rosie the Riveter." Elsie married William Crow in 1946 at Murac Army Airfield, now Edwards AFB. Throughout her service as a military wife besides residing at Edwards Air Force Base, she lived in Ramstein, Germany, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and in 1965, when Bill was stationed at Byrd Airfield, the family set down roots in Fulton Hill and their home, the Crow's Nest. She was a longtime employee of Richmond Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. Elsie was a dedicated Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where she served as a volunteer for the church in most every service capacity throughout her life. She has been a fixture and enthusiastic worker/ participant of St. Patrick's Irish Festival since its inception in 1985. In her final years, Elsie resided at Westport Nursing Home and wished to extend a special thanks to all her wonderful caregivers. By all who knew her, Elsie was an avid believer of the Power of Prayer and chances are if you had only met her once and possibly even if you hadn't, she prayed for you. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. (service at 7:30 p.m.), at Bliley's-Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 213 N. 25th St., in Richmond, Va., at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 1. There will be service and burial at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Mrs. Crowe was was one special lady who always thought of others first. Not a day went by that she did not speak of her children and how proud she was of all of them. We will miss her and her kind words at Westport which would always uplift anyone who spoke to her. Your Mom was the epitome of class and courage for life. We all have great memories of her and she will never be forgotten here at Westport.
Billy Letien
August 02, 2013 | Richmond, VA
It was a true pleasure to have known and cared for Elsie during the last years of her life. She was a sweet,caring and wonderful person.She touched the hearts of many residents and staff at Westport. We all will miss Elsie. She was at peace with her life and ready to be with the Lord. Nancy Newman, Westport Assistant Director of Nursing
Nancy Newman
August 01, 2013 | VA
I came to know Miss Elsie as I visited my own mom at Westport. We chatted almost daily. Truly a very special lady. We have all been blessed to have known her.
Laurie Deusebio
August 01, 2013 | Richmond, VA
I only knew Elsie a few of her last months at Westport. Even though I only knew her a short while, she made a lasting impression on me. I never heard her once complain of her lot. She always managed a smile even in her last days. On one of those last days, I walked into her room and said, "Elsie, how are you?"........she wasn't well at all, but she managed a huge smile and said, "I'm ok now, my kids are here". She seemed so at peace; she had told me earlier that she had been given the last...
July 31, 2013
Aunt Elsie was my Gramma Cathrine's sister. I spend a lot of time with my Gram until her death a few years ago. Aunt Elsie would call every evening and I would always say my hellos and good byes to her as I was leaving to head home for the evening. My Mother (Daria) told me at her and my Father's (Andrew) wedding the whole family came in from Virginia on a school bus courtesy of cousin Butch to Pennsylvania. I got married last year and to my surprise I saw many Crow's at my wedding who...
Katy (Sabolek) Davis
July 30, 2013 | Grindstone, PA
I was the first person Elsie met when she moved to Richmond. We remained close friends and worked many years together at St. Patrick's Church. I would have to say that she was one of the finest and sweetest women I have ever met. She was a dear friend.
Emmalyne Rich
July 30, 2013 | Richmond, VA
I met Elsie almost 2 yrs ago. Every 6 wks, I had the great opportunity to visit Westport as a St. Bridget's volunteer to help conduct a weekly prayer/communion service. Elsie liked to have a copy of the weekly StB bulletin and was always so encouraging and kind. Elsie's sunny smile and loving personality crept into my heart. I remember visiting in her room after her bought with pneumonia and seeing all the beautiful family photos. She was truly a remarkable and unforgettable woman who...
Theresa Keefe
July 30, 2013 | Richmond, VA
I met Mrs. Crow over three years ago as a Westport employee. Many fun times of conversations and dominoes were shared. I will truly miss her loving smile and stories of the "Crow's Nest". She loved her family dearly, and never missed a time to mention that to me on a daily basis. Now, may the family find peace in knowing where her spirit joyfully resides eternally. Your're in my prayers.
Vickie Bullock
July 30, 2013 | Henrico, VA
Mark,
My condolences to you and your family.
Mike Meehan & Family
Mike Meehan
July 30, 2013 | St. Augustine, FL
