Leonor Orezza Crawford

Leonor Orezza Crawford of Encinitas, California passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024. Known for her unwavering kindness, spirited personality and boundless love for her family, Leonor left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her during her 94 years of life.

Leonor, known to her family as Nini, was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on May 11, 1930. She was one of the youngest of her five siblings, Elva Delores, Maria Louise, Jose Manuel, Esperanza and Maria Antonia. They all learned the value of a close and supportive family with a strong work ethic at a young age when their mother went to work to support the family by herself.

Leonor met the love of her life, Robert Alvin Crawford, when he came to her rescue one night at the movie theater where she worked in Tijuana. The film had broken, was all over the floor and Leonor tried to put it all back together. Robert went up to the projection room to help and they were immediately smitten. They were married in Arizona in 1950, just before Robert was drafted into the Korean War.

Over the next decade, Leonor and Robert built a beautiful life together, welcoming four daughters, Doris, Linda Ann, Teresa Jean and Janet Sue, between 1951 and 1956, and their only son, Guy Robert, in 1961. With great happiness also came struggle as Leonor adjusted to life in a new country, learning English through conversation and by watching soap operas. But, as with everything Leonor put her mind to, she quickly eased into her new life and role as the matriarch of the Crawford family.

After moving to Indiana, then Kansas and Arizona, Leonor and Robert settled in Carlsbad, California where they were the center of gravity for their growing family, famously hosting big holiday gatherings that their kids and grandkids remember fondly today. After Robert’s passing in 2001, Leonor remained a central figure with her extended family and maternal figure to so many, caring for grandkids and great grandkids as if they were her own. She possessed the unmatched ability to create a unique bond with family and friends, making each person feel loved and special.

Leonor was a one-of-a-kind beauty and stunning until her last days. She was always impeccably dressed, with her hair and makeup done to perfection and accessories shining as bright as the sparkle in her eye. Leonor was a brilliant artist, making beautiful crocheted and beaded clothing and jewelry, and designing beautiful gifts – from shadow boxes to picture albums – for her family and friends.

Leonor loved well and was loved by many. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert, daughters Linda and Teresa, and grandson Wayne Howard. Leonor is survived by her daughters Doris “Dody” Tucker (Gary Tucker) and Janet Howard, and son Guy Crawford (Wendy Crawford). She leaves loving memories with grandchildren Morgan and Niles Tucker, Mason, Kendall and Alexandra Beninger, Jessica Seehoffer, Carly Howard, Chandler, Spencer and Taylor Crawford, and great grandchildren Phoebe Tucker, Evan Tucker, Kyla Viehman, Karly Vollmer, Lea Desear and Nancy Drew Crawford, who all affectionately called her “Mom.”

A funeral service and celebration of Leonor’s incredible life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 21 at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita, CA. In lieu of flowers, Leonor’s family requests that donations are made in her name to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society https://rchumanesociety.org/.