MARY CROWLIE
1960-2022
After more than 2 years of struggle with a rare disease that brought her paralysis and constant terrible pain, Mary Jane Crowlie died early in the morning at home on June 13th, 2022.
Mary would like to be remembered for her sense of humor and the pleasure she took in those who could make her laugh. She was a person with great style, and was happy to share her clothing and then see it being worn by the recipient, “modeled,” she would say.
Mary was also a serious teacher who taught 30 years with the Chico Unified School District. She spent many very early morning hours pouring over research to inform her teaching. When she moved from classroom teaching to art instruction, she tried every project over and over, refining each new piece until it matched her goals for student accessibility, engaging materials or techniques, and a product kids and families would value. She incorporated dance, poetry, music and drama into her lessons because those were important elements of her own life, and she loved sharing them.
Anybody who knew Mary knew that one of her greatest loves was for the animals she came to know, and those she hoped to know in the future. Her phone is full of pictures of dogs and cats in every setting, up close and from a distance, and each held special meaning for her. Annie and Button, her friends for the last many years, have been by her side through this long illness.
Early morning swimmer, Yoga practitioner, hiker and bicycle rider, Mary enjoyed physical exertion and the outdoors. She loved exploring new places with friends and family, or with a couple of eager dogs. She had good memories of some group hiking and biking tours, and she planned on doing more.
For all of us left behind, her parting is way too soon. She just celebrated her 62nd birthday, and she was excited to pursue her retirement dreams. She is remembered with love by her sisters Kim and Colleen, and by her nephews Max and Owen. She has many cousins and dear friends who will miss her deeply. At her request, no formal services will be held. Arrangements entrusted to the Neptune Society of No CA, Chico Branch.