Obituary of Elaine Crawford

March 6, 1931 – Paynton, Saskatchewan

October 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret (Elaine) Crawford, who peacefully departed this life on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Elaine was born on March 6, 1931, near the village of Paynton, SK. Elaine is the last of a generation of children born to Alex and Margaret Murphy, her father originally homesteading their land in 1903. Elaine was forever shaped by the work ethic of her family and the harsh prairie reality they encountered at the time. She established lifelong friendships in the bustling village enjoying tennis, curling, and her favourite activity was attending Friday night community dances.

In 1950, the family moved to North Battleford, SK, where Elaine met Bob Crawford, who literally swept her off her feet at a community dance event. Elaine and Bob were married within a year of meeting and enjoyed a happy 63 years together. After the birth of their two children, Judy and Patty, employment brought the small family to Calgary, AB, in 1957. The skills Elaine learned from a life of hard work and witnessing how the depression took its toll on her family, motivated her to build a better life. She worked tirelessly as a homemaker, cooking, baking, preserving, and gardening while attending courses in accounting, investing, and business. Her work ethic, sharp memory, and financial literacy skills intertwined and led Elaine to a successful career in accounting. Elaine enjoyed a long and fulfilling career working for the Manalta Coal Company.

Elaine was a faithful St. Bonaventure Church community parishioner for over 45 years. She enjoyed volunteering in various ministries within the church and was a longstanding member of the Catholic Women’s League. Her sharp mind and excellent memory helped her become an excellent bridge player, establishing many friendships over the years within the bridge club.

Elaine is predeceased by her beloved husband Bob, and her cherished daughter Judy. We feel peace knowing they have welcomed her with open arms in heaven, and that she is lovingly reunited with them.

Elaine is survived by her daughter Patty (Steve), grandchildren, Lisa Jamieson (Mike), Marla Makowski, Chelsea White (Matt), Rachel Makowski (Spencer), Luke Makowski (Makenna), Mary Makowski, Sara Haynes (Chris), Jeffrey Durrant, Matt Durrant, and Tammy Onysyk (Adam).  She is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren, Olivia, Noah, Levi, and Seth Jamieson; Charlotte, Emma, and Hudson White; Evan, Selah, Abby, and Elliot Haynes; Grace, Sophie, and Cooper Onysyk, and Spencer Durrant; as well as several lovely grandpups.

A private Catholic Funeral Service with Elaine’s loving family will be held to honour her legacy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Father Lacombe and Rockyview General Hospital for their never-ending warmth, kindness, and compassion in supporting Elaine in her journey.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Elaine’s family here.

In living memory of Elaine Crawford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Elaine's Memorial Card