Nancy J. Crawford

Born May 7, 1935 to Beatrice Buchanan, Brewer Maine. She was the youngest of seven siblings. A proud graduate of Bangor High, class of 1953. Nancy met her husband Bob Tempalski in Bangor Maine while working as a waitress at the Pilot’ Grill, a popular restaurant across the street from the Bangor Military Air Base where he was stationed. Marriage soon followed and military service took them to Texas where they started their life together. Besides the Texas heat and military base living, Nancy’s recollection of Texas was cockroaches so big that you could put a saddle on them! She was fortunate enough to share the Texas military life with her lifelong Bangor friend Jackie Shone and had a forever story to share about the Texas night Jack and Jackie’s twin girls were born. Bob and Nancy ultimately settled in the Spotswood NJ area and started their family. Together they had four children Cynthia, Bernard, Barbara, and Irene (Bill) Tempalski. They shared seven grandchildren named Kurt, Tara, Renee, Kevin, Derick, Riley, and Alyson, and ten great-grandchildren.

Nancy also shared four children (non-biological) with Robert Crawford; Steve (Regina), Ronald (Irene), Susan (Mitch) and John (Zoe-Ann). Robert and Nancy also shared twelve grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Nancy began her professional career in food service as a waitress at Howard Johnsons on the New Jersey Turnpike and worked her way up the management ladder to become a supervisor with Marriott. Her management duties ultimately spanned toll roads all across the Eastern US. Upon her marriage to Robert Crawford, Nancy made Auburn NJ in rural Salem County their home. She finished her career in the food service industry and left behind a legacy of waitresses, busboys and short order cooks who came to understand the virtues of hard work and the value of a no-nonsense manager who stood up for her employees. Nancy also owned a catering business and proudly enjoyed serving people. At their Auburn home they also established “Bob & Nancy Crawfords Christmas Tree Farm”, building wonderful memories with their family and the local community.

As a true daughter of Maine, Nancy retired to Dedham Maine and built a home with Robert on Pine Trail at Phillips Lake. Reuniting with her Maine family, friends and classmates, she was truly home. Their home on Pine Trail was a welcoming place of wonderful family gatherings and making memories of swimming in the lake, BBQ’s and hearing the calling of the Loons at night. Her greatest delight was in sharing her love of Maine with her children and grandchildren.

In her younger years, Nancy loved singing in the church choir, picking beans, blueberries and cheerleading. Later, Nancy became famous for her eclectic collection of teapots and blueberry muffins, she loved munching on a New England coffeepot sandwich, enjoyed country music and polka and camping in her RV.

Nancy took great pride in conveying strength and independence, and always took time to share a word of encouragement with those she loved. She was a woman of great generosity, and an indomitable spirit within whom the joy of life burned brightly. Most of all, this joy shined brightest on her grandchildren she loved so dearly. She will be terribly missed by all who love her…May her spirit soar with the angels and gently shine her sweet smile upon us.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River. Cremation is private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Nancy’s memory to

Planting Memorial Trees in National Forests - The Trees Remember,

Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or a Charity of your choice.