Janet Elizabeth Crawford

Janet was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard Crawford and brother, Ralph Kraft. She is survived by her daughter Diane Shannon (Sean), granddaughters Ashley Schiavone (Joe), Kelsi Viola (Andrew great granddaughter Stella), sister Kitty Worrell (Phil), brother, John Kraft (Linda), and sister in law Carol Kraft, among many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Janet was born on February 18,1937 in Orrville, Ohio to Edward and Doris Kraft. She spent all of her childhood and early adulthood in Ohio. She graduated from Cincinnati Bible College and got a degree in music education. She then received her bachelors in Education at Ashland College.

In 1970 the Crawford family moved from Ohio to Maui, Hawaii. She spent 31 years on Maui as the preschool director at Kahului Baptist Preschool. Being so far from family in Ohio, the Crawford’s found an amazing Ohana on Maui and spent all 31 years with this 2nd family. The Crawford family then moved to Fort Collins, Colorado with their daughter Diane and the Shannon family, where they spent another blissful 19 years being retired and enjoying their grandchildren. Life then moved them to Surprise, Arizona with their daughter, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

An avid reader, Janet spent many years as an elementary teacher and a preschool director. She was named teacher of the year many times during her tenure as an educator. Children and music were always her passion in life from the children that she taught to her grandchildren.

Janet was best known for her quick-witted humor, fierce determination, generous spirit and above all else as a child of God.

A memorial service will be held in Ohio at a later date. As a breast cancer survivor, the family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation in Janet’s name.