Mary Lou Crown

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Mary Crown Obituary

Mary Lou Simon Crown

Charlotte, NC - Mary Lou Simon Crown died on February 15, 2015 at the age of 91 at her home in Charlotte, NC surrounded by her family. Born Mary Louise Simon, July 21, 1923, in Kalamazoo, MI, she attended Saint Augustine Cathedral School in Kalamazoo and was a graduate of Smith College, class of 1945, where she majored in American Studies. While working at IBM in the training department she met her husband, Joseph S. E. Crown. They married in 1959 and reared their four daughters in Poughkeepsie, NY. It was there that her true vocation emerged: cherished friend and dedicated volunteer. Mary Lou and Joe retired to Charlotte, NC in 2004. In Charlotte, Mary Lou found many kindred spirits at the Church of the Holy Comforter, her neighbors at Magnolia Place and her friends from Nancy Nicholson's "Gentle Seated Yoga" class, all of who helped make Charlotte a home for her during the last 11 years. Heartfelt thanks go out to the lovely caregivers at Humana/Senior Bridge, specifically Lilly Johnson, Mary Montgomery-Davis, Sharline Pryce, Ena Meza and Milka Bajic, whose loving, gentle and unwavering care helped to make Mary Lou comfortable during her final days.

Mary Lou is survived by her four devoted daughters; Jane and Nancy of Charlotte, Susan and her husband Greg Toto of Piedmont, CA, Mary and her husband William Ellis of Wellesley, MA, as well as her six grandchildren; Molly and Sam Crown, Katherine and George Toto, Corson and Simon Ellis, and her sister-in-law Betty Crown of Media, PA. She will be remembered most for her love of opera, classical music and the written word, her knowledge and interest in current events and her excellent word usage and grammar. Ever the mother, she was correcting the pronunciation and grammar of her children up until the end, schooling them in the proper use of "lay" versus "lie". Mary Lou's legacy will be that of community service, lasting friendships, both new and old, and the importance of family.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 23, at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 2701 Park Road, Charlotte at 2 pm. Memorials may be made to Loaves & Fishes, 648 Griffith Road, Charlotte, NC 28217.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Poughkeepsie Journal on Feb. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Crown

10 Entries

Thomas Simon

February 17, 2025

Condolences to the Crown Family. My father was first cousins of Mary. He passed away at the age of 97 being born 2 years after Mary in Kalamazoo. He went to St. Joseph elementary school as a child. Left Kalamazoo at age of 11 as Joseph Simon, brother of Mary's father transferred to manage New York office of B&P.

Zanne Newman

March 1, 2015

Mama Crown as I called her was a remarkable woman. She was truly a role model of how to be a great human being and mother. So many of my memories of her revolve around discussing books, current events or her deep interest in all of the lives of those around her. Her four daughters all had such close and intimate relationships with her. I have patterned my own mothering on what I observed of her. She was a modern woman before many others even knew what that meant. She made a great mark on the world and will be sorely missed.

With love and hugs to her wonderful family,

Zanne Newman

Michael Foley

February 22, 2015

Jane, Nancy, Susan, and Mary--

I was saddened to hear of your mother's passing. All four of you are living testament to her strength of character. Although I haven't seen any of you in decades, I am confident that you all continue to display the qualities she instilled in you. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

Nancy Little

February 21, 2015

Our yoga class won't be the same without MaryLou's twinkling eyes and cheerful spirit She was an inspiration to all of us My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Ann Verdon Leisenring

February 20, 2015

She was my Godmother and a favorite person to me. She and my mother (Joan Eckrich Verdon) were good friends. While I had not seen nor heard from her in many years I do have fond memories of her. My deepest condolences to her family.

Girlie Ortiz

February 20, 2015

Nancy,
My prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Verena and Tim Boylan

February 18, 2015

Mary Lou was a wonderful woman, an inspiration to many of us here at Magnolia Place. May her memory be a blessing.

Jane Alexander

February 17, 2015

Nancy,Jane,Mary,Susan and all your families.

Across a great many miles, our thoughts are with you and our hearts ache with yours. Both your Mom and Dad were incredible parents. Their influence spreads far and continues in all of you.
Love Jane, Lida and Marguerite.

Chris Galbraith

February 17, 2015

When I saw Mr.s Crown's obituary I remembered that she was one of my mother's best childhood friends. Judy Sutherland Galbraith often talked about playing with all the Simon kids. The photo I posted is from her album. Thought you might like to see it.