Dorothy J. Crow, 95

Dorothy J. Baker Crow celebrated her 95th birthday on Dec. 30, 2019. She made her final journey from our sight on Feb. 9, 2020.

She was born Dec. 30, 1924, to Richard A. and Ruth M. Baker in Billings, Mont. Dorothy had two siblings: Virginia Baker Garner and Richard W. Baker. Growing up together in Billings, they attended public school and graduated from high school there. A big part of their social lives included participating and competing in 4H at county fairs in sewing and baking. They made many lifelong friends; friendships enjoyed together throughout their lives.

Dorothy married Floyd Eugene Crow on June 11, 1943. Floyd joined the U.S. Navy that summer, serving in WWII. In Dorothy’s prayers she gave thanks every night that they were one day closer to the end of the war.

After the war, Floyd and Dorothy moved from Billings to Redondo Beach, Calif., making their journey in a model-T with their two baby girls: Virginia, born April 4, 1944, and Helen, born Feb. 21, 1946. Floyd and Dorothy’s family grew while living in Redondo Beach with the births of their son, Lawrence, born Feb. 4, 1950, and daughter, Sallee, born March 4, 1952.

Dorothy loved being involved in family and community. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, a Campfire Girl Leader, was active in Cub Scouts and PTA, and was a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary and an officer in the Coeur d’Alene Eagles. Her favorite pastime was gardening; she always had an amazing yard and garden and she passed down her knowledge and experience of gardening to future generations. She belonged to the Fuchsia Society and participated in both fuchsia and camellia competitions. She studied interior design and always had a lovely home. Dorothy also enjoyed sewing and crocheting, creating beautiful afghans and baby blankets she made for the family.

Dorothy worked for several years at Hughes Aircraft in California. The family moved from California to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in August 1963. Dorothy went to work at Clare-Pendar when it first opened, working there for several years. She also worked in food services for Coeur d’Alene schools. She next obtained her real estate license and became a successful residential and commercial real estate agent in the greater Coeur d’Alene area. In recent years, Dorothy volunteered in the youth program at Unity Church, where she still attended and worked in their community garden.

Dorothy is survived by her three daughters Virginia, Helen and Sallee; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memories from Dorothy’s family…

Grandma had a way of making me feel so very special — not just to her but in the world. She was encouraging and a wonderful nurturer.

I remember going for walks that, at the time, seemed to me like a giant forest by their house. Playing badminton in their backyard, having barbecues, their big luscious garden and always having a big open lawn. I always loved their backyard lawns and I liked playing the organ when I was visiting.

I will always treasure the memory of her sweet smile, her laugh, her kindness and her love of family and friends.

I remember Grandma putting so much love into preparing for our visits. We drove to Idaho for Christmas one year and she had special gifts ready. Every morning we woke up to a homemade gift. I especially remember the homemade stocking full of little surprises. Wish I still had that stocking.

My Grandma taught me to appreciate the joy in small things, that everything and every situation has something good to offer. I learned the value of love, kindness and friendship from her. She always believed in me, which is priceless. These things are her legacy and will never be replaced, she will be greatly missed. She deserves a parade.

Her steadfast patience and support throughout my life. She was a master of conflict avoidance, generous and also “depression era” thrifty, a true member of the Greatest Generation. Because service men weren’t allowed to divulge their location, her husband wrote her that he would be visiting Aunt Alice (who lived in the San Francisco area). She rode the train for three days with her infant daughter from Billings to San Francisco and amazingly found him on the ship-docks there.

Memories of her playing the piano and organ and her lifelong love of classical and show tune music; being happiest when her home was filled with friends and family dancing and singing.

English Funeral Chapel is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Dorothy’s guestbook is available for viewing at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. A memorial service will be held in the late spring. Donations in Dorothy’s honor may be made to Hospice of North Idaho