Joan Kelly Crane

Joan Kelly Crane passed away and entered the Kingdom of God on January 13, 2012 after a brief illness. With an unwavering lifelong faith, she was ready to be reunited with those who have gone before her. She was loved and respected by her family and friends. Joan was born in the Bronx, NY, raised in Glen Rock, NJ and graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in journalism. She married James Edward Crane of Sherman, NY in 1953 and had three children.

As a young woman, Joan developed a strong faith and sense of ethics. She was outspoken in her beliefs and was dedicated to helping the less fortunate. She enjoyed a simple, unassuming life in awe of God's creations in nature and conscientious in the use of her talents to better the world.

In 1964 the Crane family moved to Nassau Bay, Tx where she became active in the community. She was instrumental in securing the federal grant to create what is now Nassau Bay City Park and the incorporation of Nassau Bay to prevent annexation. Devote and faithful Christians, Joan and Jim were charter members of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church.

Ten years later, Jim and Joan moved to Lynchburg, Va to live near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Again Joan became active in their church, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. She worked for the Central Virginia Commission on Aging and the Presbytery of the Blue Ridge providing meals for the elderly and indigent in rural central Virginia.

After the death of her husband in 1990, Joan retired and moved back to Nassau Bay, Tx. She reestablished herself as an active member of the community and joined the congregation at Webster Presbyterian Church.

Joan and Jim created a beautiful family who will carry on her legacy for eternity. She is survived by her children: Dr. John Crane andwife, Beth, of Buffalo, Ny; Julie Crane Middaugh and husband, Ron, of ClearLake City, Tx; Jim Crane of Albany, Ga; grand daughters Megan Benson and husband, Andy, of Hamburg, Ny; Alexandria Mead of Friendswood, Tx; Rachel Crane of Baltimore, Md; Sarah Burke and husband, Joshua of Madison, Wi; and great granddaughter, Kayla Benson; step-grandchildren Leighanne and Dylan Abbey of Buffalo, Ny; brother-in-law Armas Lensu of Mathew, Nc. Additionally, Joan has a large extended family of nieces and nephews, their children an grandchildren, from Sherman and Silver Creek, Ny.

A memorial service to celebrate Joan's life will be held Sat. Jan, 28, 2012 at 2:00 pm, Webster Presybertian Church, 201 E. Nasa Pkwy, Webster, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Webster Presbyterian Church, Joan Crane Memorial Fund.