Obituary of Ann T. Crawford
Ann T. Crawford (nee Coufal), "Nana Anna", 85, of Bethany Beach, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Ann was born and raised in Schuyler, Nebraska, the oldest of six children, to Anna Marie and Eldred Coufal. After graduating from Schuyler High School, she continued her education at Duchesne College (Creighton University) in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
Ann's career path took her to the East Coast, where she met her husband, Richard, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. They married in 1963, and raised their three children in Potomac, Maryland, among the wonderful Glen Park Ambleside Drive families. Her greatest pride and joy was her beautiful family; she treasured every moment with those closest to her.
Ann worked as a registered nurse at multiple facilities including: National Children’s Center (Washington D.C.), Georgetown University Hospital, and NIH Occupational Medical Services. Her warmth and joy were contagious, and she was well-loved by patients, colleagues, and volunteers.
Many years were spent vacationing at beaches along the East Coast with family and friends. Their love of the beach led them to retire to the Salt Pond Community in Bethany Beach, where Ann and Richard built strong friendships within the community. Ann cultivated wonderful friendships everywhere she went. Through the years, she enjoyed dinners, lunches, golf, and mahjong with her friends. During retirement she spent her time doing things she loved most: traveling the world, crafting, growing beautiful flowers in her garden, and spending time with her 3 children and 10 grandchildren.
Ann is predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Richard G. Crawford. She is survived by her children, Richard “Rick" Crawford and wife, MaryBeth of Glenwood, Maryland, Karen Finn and husband, Kenneth of Freehold, New Jersey, and Lisa Metcalfe and husband, David of San Diego, CA; ten grandchildren: Kenneth, Caitlin, Kyle, Kara, Kevin, Kirsten, Carter, Chase, Christopher, and Connor; her siblings, Robert Coufal of Calabash, North Carolina, William Coufal and his wife, Kathy of Omaha, Nebraska, Patricia Cox of Denver, Colorado, Mary Welch of Loveland, Colorado, and Teresa Kretz and her husband, George of Schuyler, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at The Parish of St. Ann, 691 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM until a memorial funeral mass for Richard and Ann at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 32112 Vines Creek Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939 at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to either: Operation SEAs the Day, P.O. Box 811, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 or HERE or Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 or HERE. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.
At the end of her life, her children found a collection of books at her bedside: stories of faith and family. On the top of the pile was "how to" guide for being a great grandparent (a book she could have written herself). The book included tips such as teach them to pray, teach them to wink, and always have popsicles. So, anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with Ann (or as Annie, as she was fondly known by friends), we invite you to raise a glass, plant some flowers, or take a walk on the beach - and, if you're lucky enough to be around little ones: always have popsicles.