Anna Marie Crowder

Anna Marie Crowder, born on March 6, 1974, brought immense joy and light into the lives of those around her. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at a hospice in Dallastown, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and faith that touched many.
Anna was the beloved daughter of Willie Morris Crowder Sr. and Elaine Kelly Crowder. She was a cherished sister to her seven siblings: Willie Morris Jr., James, John, David, Ruth Ann, Michael Angelo, and Gabriel Crowder. She also embraced her three step-siblings, Mary, Jennifer, and Paulette, with an open heart. She is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom were deeply loved by her.
From a young age, Anna's love of music shone brightly. As a child, she would sing "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name" while playing the piano with all her heart, filling the home with her voice and spirit. Her extraordinary singing and instrumental talent continued throughout her life, inspiring and blessing everyone who heard her.
Anna was a proud alumna of Mercy College. Though she never married, her life was rich with passion, joy, and compassion for others. She held a deep affection for animals, finding companionship and comfort in their presence.
Her journey was marked by peace, faith, and acceptance. She made her peace with God and, in her own way, requested a Hawaiian release, symbolizing her desire for a serene and beautiful farewell. Her final words, a testament to her generous spirit, urged everyone to "be happy, be all they can be." She believed in the continuous exchange of love and guidance, promising to always be present in spirit to uplift those she loved.
Anna's final wish is for her family to stay strong, to lean on one another, and to carry forward the love and resilience that defined her.
One of the deepest tributes came from her sister, Ruth Ann, who wrote this heartfelt poem for Anna:
For AMC
You've left us, you're gone
No more struggles or pain to carry on
You've done what you agreed to do
Where will you go? What will you see?
What worlds are ahead and across the crystal sea?
Now that it's all said and done, will you still remember me?
Some things I now understand,
why you chose certain paths and took a certain stance.
Things become clearer, but one thing is true
You were and are loved and until we meet again I'll be missing you.
RC - 8.30.25
Born and raised in New York, Anna also lived independently in White Plains, New York, and Fairmont, North Carolina, before her final peaceful moments in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. Her vibrant presence, kind heart, and unwavering faith will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know.