Pauline K. Crawford

Pauline Crawford, 96, passed away from natural causes on August 2, 2015. She was a long time resident of the Burbank area and lived in Toluca Lake for 27 years. She was born in Portland, Oregon to parents Richard and Ann Kaiser. She and her sister Margaret Lamb attended Commerce High School (now Cleveland HS) where she graduated in 1937 as Vice President of her senior class.

Pauline joined the Navy in 1942 and began basic training in Stillwater, Oklahoma in October of that year, graduating from one of the first Wave training groups. She was honorably discharged from the Navy in October of 1945. Throughout her life she was active in several Veteran/Wave organizations and contributed to the Women in Military Memorial and the US Navy Memorial.

Pauline married the love of her life, Robert Dudley Crawford, in May of 1961. She and Robert enjoyed traveling and the arts before he passed away unexpectedly in January of 1976. She is survived by her nephew Jim Lamb, step-sons John and Thomas Crawford and their families.

Pauline volunteered as a docent at the LA Zoo for over 25 years. She enjoyed meeting school children and taking them on tours to share her excitement and enthusiasm about the animals. She also volunteered at the LA Museum of Art for many years, along with years of docent service at Children’s Hospital.

Some of her favorite activities were traveling around the world to visit Zoos and experiencing the culture of the countries she visited. She made memorable trips to Kenya, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America in addition to many other exotic locations. One of her favorite adventures was her Safari in Africa. Pauline always had a special place in her heart for animals. She was a devoted cat lover and supported many animal organizations over the years.

Pauline has been interned at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland Oregon. Memorials may be sent to the LA Zoo in her honor.