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Kate Crawford Obituary
10/16/37-1/30/14
Kate Crawford, beloved mother, wife, teacher, and friend, passed from this life on Jan. 30, 2014, surrounded by her family. The only child of Katherine Sibley Abernethy and Hugh Alston Abernethy, Kate Marshall Abernethy was born in Birmingham, Alabama. When her family relocated to Los Angeles, she attended Marlborough School for Girls, where she made many lifelong friends. After her graduation in 1955, Kate matriculated to University of California, Berkeley, where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. She received her BA in History in 1959. At Cal she met the love of her life, fellow student William McNeil Crawford, who predeceased her in 2008.
Kate and Bill were married in 1959 and their loving union produced four children, all of whom survive her: William McNeil Crawford Jr., known as Neil (Betsy); Hugh (Wendy); Katherine (Ric Koller); and Sarah (Kieran King). She delighted in her seven grandchildren: Lauren, Marshall, Taylor, Colton, Hope, Kate and Jack. She is deeply missed by all, including her latest canine companion, Mally.
Elegant and gracious, Kate enriched the lives of many from her home in Piedmont, where she lived for 50 years. While raising her children, Kate also ran two dialysis centers. In her lifelong commitment to community service, Kate was a tireless and ardent volunteer with many organizations including the Junior League, the Episcopal Church and Clausen House.
Deeply faithful, Kate was a devoted congregant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakland, where she served on the St. Paul's Vestry. She was proud of the spiritual strength and social evolution of her church, and reveled in the diversity and richness of her parish family.
After her children were grown, Kate returned to college to obtain a special education credential and a Masters in Special Education from Holy Names University. She was a nurturing, dedicated teacher and resource specialist at Chipman Middle School in Alameda for 15 years.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland, CA. Reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, Kate requested donations to St. Dorothy's Rest Campership Fund, P.O. Box B, Camp Meeker, CA, 95419 or St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kate Crawford
Karen Zappettini
February 7, 2014
My heart aches. Your Mom was the true definition of the meaning of "Mother". She brought so much to my life. She was the one I would turn to, when my home life was painful. She understood this, and was always a source of love and strength in my life. I loved and adored her, more than words !! She was a class act. She shared her family with me, and I will be forever grateful for the blessings of your mother !!She was My Angel here on earth, and now, Heaven has gained an amazing Angel !! xx
Saint Stephen's Church
February 5, 2014
St. Stephen's Church in Belvedere sends our deepest condolences to the family of Kate Crawford. Please accept our sympathy for your huge loss. May Kate rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord.
Susan Allison-Hatch+
February 4, 2014
What a gracious, loving, smart, gentle and kind woman. An inspiration in the deepest sense of that word.
February 4, 2014
Hi Sarah,
We are saddened by the loss of your dear and wonderful mother - and extend this to the rest of your family.
The Service came too quickly for us to rearrange our afternoon. The two of us have had four operations in four months - recovering slowly but nicely.
Blessings,
Rob and Sylvia McCann
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Murray Shortall
February 4, 2014
Neil, Hugh, Katherine and Sarah,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very special person and made me feel so welcome when I moved to CA. I will not be able to come to the service tonight, but I wanted you to know that the Abernethys are thinking of you and that your mother will be missed. It comforts me to think of her happily reunited with your dad after the difficult years apart. Love to you and your families.
Murray Abernethy Shortall
Lois M Webb
February 4, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lori Hendrick
February 3, 2014
Dearest Crawfords and families,
Sorry we have lost wonderful Kate, but glad she is at rest and reconnecting with your Dad. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers always. Snail mail to follow.
Bea Pussman
February 3, 2014
Sorry to hear about your mother. It's never easy. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jeff Stone
February 3, 2014
While I did not have the privilege of meeting Kate during her lifetime I have been fortunate enough to call Hugh my friend for over 20 years. She raised a wonderful son and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time.
Jeff
Kristen Hipol
February 3, 2014
Kate, thank you for all the help you gave our son James. We will always appreciate the gifts you gave of yourself.
Lala and Prasad Prasad
February 2, 2014
Our love and prayers go out to the whole family.
Love, Lala and Prasad
Pat Smith
February 2, 2014
Neil, Sarah, and all members of the Crawford family, my deepest sympathy.
Laurie Mclachlan Fry
February 2, 2014
Dearest Kate, knowing you and your "clan" has enriched my life. Your generous spirit and gracious hospitality will live on in the lives of those you touched. You will forever be in my heart
Chris King
February 2, 2014
Love and prayers to Kate and all the Crawfords.
Chris, Koleen, Kate, Chris, and Nick
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