Joanne Crowe Dreher

Joanne Crowe Dreher passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, due to complications from COPD and pneumonia. Her 9 children and their spouses surrounded her. She was 94 years old and passed like she lived, in the company of family, early in the morning, just in time for coffee.

Joanne was born on her mother’s birthday, July 18, 1929, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. She was the 4th child born to Clement F. Crowe and Mary Mulherin Crowe and had 3 sisters and 6 brothers – Patrick, Mary Rita, Robert (Bob), Catherine (Katy), James (Jim), Richard (Dick), Ann, John and Michael (Mike). She was at the heart of her nine children and their families lives, all living, Margaret and Rob Creek; Tom and Cheryl Dreher; Mary Jo and Jim Honiotes and children Steph, (Mike, {Anthony}) Lexie (Rebecca), Kristin, Mikey, and Mary; Rich Dreher and children Aubrey (James, {Kellan and Rylan}) and Addison; David and Celia Dreher and children; John and Marie (Tyler and {Noah}); Diane Dreher; Patt y DeFranco and children Teresa and Kelly; Eileen and Scott Forlenza and children, Emily, (Morgan and {Sutt on}) Holly, Cody (Jessie and {Remi}) and Michael; and Pauline and Dan Bonifazi and children Mia, Annabella and Francesca. She is preceded in death by husband, Carl, and granddaughter, Kelly Lee DeFranco; parents Clem and Mary Crowe, brothers, Pat Crowe, Bob Crowe, Dick Crowe, and John Crowe and sisters, Mary Rita Crowe, Katy Crowe McMahon, and Ann Crowe Cook. She is survived by her two brothers, James (Jim) and Michael (Mike.)

She lived in several cities growing up because her father was a college and professional football/basketball coach. Joanne attended high schools in Iowa City, Iowa, South Bend, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio before graduating in 1947 from Holy Angels Academy in Buffalo, New York. She often reflected that she made friends easily because of these frequent moves. This proved to be one of her finest traits. In all the schools she attended, she played basketball and was known for her undisputed accuracy in making baskets. She also illuminated her love of music by playing saxophone and joining the band in every school she attended. She met Carl Edward Dreher on a GI train bound for Geneva, New York, where Carl and his family lived. They were married on June 19, 1954, in a double wedding shared with Joanne’s sister Katy. Carl and Joanne both wanted a large family and from 1955 to 1963, eight children were born (Baby Boomer life.) In 1968, they declared nine was a good number when their last child was born. Carl and Joanne were growing their family, while living in Geneva, NY; Lafayette, IN; Woodland Hills, CA and Houston, TX.

They moved to Houston, Texas in 1964, so that Carl could fulfill his dream of working for Lockheed Electronics at NASA during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Space Program’s Race to Space. Houston was the place where Carl and Joanne would raise their children in their formative years. There were racial tensions arising in the country and in Houston during those years and Carl and Joanne stood firmly in the statement that people will “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” In 1977, Carl was recruited by Martin Marietta in Littleton, Colorado, and said yes to the opportunity. They moved with the family to Littleton, Colorado in November 1977.

Joanne loved Colorado with all her heart and soul. The sun, the mountains, the fresh air, the seasons, she loved it all. She established many friends through her church activities, being a caring neighbor and an avid sports fan. She could be found on the sidelines of the games her children and grandchildren played: softball, baseball, soccer, and basketball. Her love of music and live theater also gave her great joy with her family – she was so proud. She traveled far and wide to see her favorite actors, Jim Honiotes and John Dreher. Her ability and commitment to play and laugh with her grandchildren endures in their memories of her. Upon retirement, Carl and Joanne hit the road. Their road trips were guided by the friends and family they would see along the way. They especially loved going to Oklahoma every fall to visit their granddaughters Teresa and Kelly. They loved to camp and travel in their trusted minivan. Family and friends were always the center of their itineraries.

Any type of prestige or outward accomplishments were not sought, but only achieved by her dedication to family. She did not seek things of the world but rather sought out experiences with family and friends. She was known as a great Mom and was acknowledged by the Wish of a Lifetime foundation, whereby they granted her a wish. Her wish: to drive a bus! With her family on the bus, Joanne beamed as she fulfilled this lifelong dream. She was a modest, fun, faithful, joyous, and loving person. Within days of her passing, she attended her quilting circle, which she had enjoyed for 20+ years. She treasured this circle of women from All Souls Catholic Church and they treasured her. They will miss her laughter and sense of humor. Pure love makes itself available to be where it needs to be and do what needs to be done. This is the story of Joanne’s life. We want to give special thanks to Mom’s caregivers over the last couple of years, including her niece Kathleen Crowe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to All Souls Catholic Church Food Bank in her name.

https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/81cef822-6ae4-48fe-ac77-431c974822ae