Jacqeline Crowden

Jacqueline "Jackie" Daniels Crowden passed away early in the morning on June 18, 2024 at home with two of her sons at her side. She was 88. She was born to Travis and Naomi Daniels in Lafayette, IN on July 12,1935. In 1953, she graduated from Jefferson High School of the same city. She earned a degree in Religion and Theology from Transylvania University in 1957. On August 28, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, John Crowden, with whom she had three sons: Michael (Pam), Eric, and Jamie. She worked 32 years as the secretary of the Berea College Music Department where her constant awareness of "what could go wrong" made her excellently prepared to command and support the activities of an artistic and chaotic environment.
Jackie had numerous passions that she cultivated throughout her life. She loved dance in its many forms. As a child, lots of tap and ballet lessons. Social dancing in her youth. Then a spectator of ballet and modern, a devotee of the "Dance in America" series on Public Television. When the nest began to empty, she and John joined the Berea Folk Dancers that awarded them abundant friends and support. She was an avid reader, fascinated by history especially of United Kingdom, Ireland, America and Japan. She loved poetry, especially Emily Dickenson, perhaps an obvious affinity considering how both Emily and Mom fashioned their hair. And was a voracious consumer of mysteries. She taught herself languages, most notably: Gaelic, Norwegian, and Japanese. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting and gardening. She was devoted to her roses, tending to over a hundred tea and floribunda bushes in the backyard. And then there was music whether it was her own piano playing, singing in choral groups or enjoying performances by others. She found equal wonder and mystery in both the creation and appreciation of art and beauty.
At Jackie's specific request there will be no services of any kind. Memorial contributions can be made to: Berea Christmas Country Dance School, 309 Jackson Street Berea, KY 40403 or https://bereaccds.org/. "Dance School" and the dance community brought so many of Mom's loves into one thriving space: music, dance, history, crafts, friendships, community, and most importantly, her and John's return to their courtship on the dance floor.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.lakesfuneralhome.com