Ann Marie C Crawford

Family, friends and colleagues of Ann Marie C. Crawford (Wood), suffered a great loss with her passing on September 17, 2023. An inspiration to all who knew her, Ann Marie lived her life by the highest standards of ethics and integrity. She shared her compassion for others through a profound love of all people, dedication to professional excellence and an unyielding devotion to family and friends, and the Phoenix community.

Ann Marie often stated that her most important contributions in life were her three children: Tim, Troy and Lisa Marie. Even though it was not always easy to do so, Ann Marie dedicated herself first and foremost to family and also friends.

And Marie felt very fortunate and having several lifel-long friends. Without knowing, she consistently gave incredible gifts of character and compassion to those she came in contact with, family members, friends, co-workers, students, and complete strangers. All throughout her life she demonstrated that “being nice mattered”. Ann Marie truly loved life to the fullest even when she was dealt some pretty hard punches. She had an uncanny ability to adapt, adjust and move forward.

In addition to finding absolute joy in people, Ann Marie loved animals all her life. As a child, her grandmother, Catherine Hannon, told her, “Every animal you are kind to follows you through the gates of heaven.” Anyone who truly knew Ann Marie knows she took this to heart and that her menagerie-like line will be quite long.

Whether engaged in her professional or personal life, Ann Marie was a role model to others, a true leader in every sense of the word. After working in the hospitality management arena for over 15 years and owning two successful businesses, Ann Marie became passionate about higher education and served as an education administrator for two local colleges in Phoenix from 1991 to 2000. Realizing the importance and rewards of higher education after graduating with an MBA from Western international university, Ann Marie dedicated herself to working as a college education administrator and later as a college teacher in order to open career doors for others. She became certified through Maricopa Community Colleges to teach college level classes in 1993.

Ann Marie found another calling in 2001 by which to serve the community by joining the administration department at Superior Court in the State of Arizona. Again, through her excellent people skills and keen sense of business, she promoted quickly to open and manage two Regional Court Centers in the Valley (Northwest Regional Court Center in Surprise and also the Northeast Regional Court Center in northeast Phoenix). Her quiet leadership and rock-solid integrity were both an example and encouragement to many throughout her career; throughout her life.

A community leader and resident of Phoenix since 1957 when her parents relocated from Annapolis, Maryland, her birth place, Ann Marie was actively involved in several organizations and served on boards of directors including Skyline Technical High School's and Arizona Hospitality Association for Women. She was reputable as a motivational speaker and often spoke at various events throughout her career including seminars, workshops, Association meetings, graduations, and award ceremonies.

Annmarie was an avid Arizona Diamondbacks, Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns fan. She enjoyed participating in sports throughout her life including volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, and, her favorite right up to the end, swimming in her beautiful backyard oasis. In state or out of state, Ann Marie attended all high school and college games her children participated in. She once received a college football award for “best bleacher coach,” and she loved this award best of the money she received throughout her life.

Generations of Arizona residence made it a point to visit Annmarie's home in North East Phoenix at Christmas time since 1972. The family home was magically transformed into a holiday wonderland and always a glow inside and out. Several weekends throughout the season, she could be found handing out candy canes to visitors and passers by. Ann Marie loved all of the holidays and always decorated for each and every one.

Ann Marie, “Mom,” “Mama,” “Ma,” “Grammy,” “Ol Lady,” or “Rie,” to her family and friends, will greatly be missed. It was her desire to be survived by her children, Tim, Troy and Lisa Marie of Phoenix; Grandchildren: Robert, Ava and Troy II; of Phoenix; Sisters: Kathy Oliver and Rosanne Walters of Phoenix; Niece, Christine Vinson and nephew, Adam Oliver of Phoenix; Great nephews, Austin, Braxton and Whitman Vinson of Phoenix; Her beloved long-time soul mate, Gary W. Dennis of Phoenix and her Grand Dog: Cooper of Phoenix.

She is also survived by her child with fur, Kewie- just one of her many beloved kitties. And her countless life long friends that she loved dearly.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Thursday October 12th at 3pm at St Josephs Catholic Church, 11001 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ShadowMountainMortuary.com for the Crawford family.