“ it’s not something you get over but it’s something you get through” Willie Nelson

As the calendar approaches October, I am sure the loss of Crystal, who I always called Cheryl from the time we were kids, becomes more painful. To Jeff, Shannon, Jack and her grandchildren -- please know you and my lovely cousin are in my thoughts.

this was my beatiful grandma i miss her so much

My mom and I a few years ago. My best friend, mentor, everything to me. I hope to be half the amazing person she was. The world truly has changed since she left us.

Shannon, Jack and Jeff - I am so saddened to hear about Crystal's passing, truly one of the most memorable people I've ever known, no surprise there! Her wisdom, quirks, wit, and inspirational authenticity are still fresh in my mind nearly 20 years after working with her at Macy's.  She remains the subject of frequent reminiscing of the "good old days" back then.   She will always be missed. 

My condolences to your family.  <3

To Jeff, Shannon, Jack and the kids, I am so so sorry you have lost Crystal. I loved being her friend. She was, as everyone else said too, absolutely unique. She led with kindness and wit and understanding. I will think of her often with nothing but love, imagining her rocking out in the stars. 
Love, Enid Cruse

I met Crystal, then known as Cheryl, in Hollywood when she first started dating my longtime, home town friend and former band mate, Jeff. She was very unique, funny, intelligent, outspoken, and a good friend.  Crystal was a music fan and supported Jeff in his career and academic pursuits. She was always a very loving and devoted mother. 

A few years after they married, I moved into the same apartment building in Sherman Oaks where Jeff, Crystal, and her family lived. Her mother, brother and sister were wonderful neighbors and really good people too, just like she was.

I've moved around a lot over the years and Jeff and Cheryl relocated back to our home state of Ohio but we've kept in touch and remained close friends. I regret that i was not able to attend her service but send my deepest sympathy to all of you who had the pleasure to know this lovely and very special lady.

This is Crystal with (L to R) my son Dylon, Shannon, and Jack in front of her. Taken by my wife Jackie in May of 1989 at Faurot Park in Lima, Ohio.  The kids were  flying kites that day.  Jeff was not there, probably visiting his family?

Crystal loved her Dooney and Bourke purses and we met online when she joined my purse group.  We became friends and chatted often.  We both loved rock and especially Alice Cooper.  I will miss our conversations and I will always remember this beautiful lady... She was very special.

My condolences to Jeff, Shannon, Jack, and the entire family.

We grew up together on the north side of Chicago on Talman Avenue with my brothers Gerry, Ed, and my folks in the downstairs apartment while Cheryl, Vicki, Marty, and their folks lived on the floor above ours. Cheryl was like a sister to me growing up until her family moved to a home in Lincolnwood. We all kind of went our own ways in our teens and twenties when Cheryl and her family move to California moved to California after her Dad, my Uncle Sam dies suddenly in July of 1970 at the age of 49.
We lost tough with Cheryl and her siblings for quite some time until Cheryl contacted me about 20 years ago. It was so nice having  my favorite cousin Cheryl back in our lives once again! We had the pleasure of attending Shannon's wonderful wedding in Ohio and spent some time filling in those missing years.
Cheryl was always a happy, positive person who was not about anything but sweetness, and truth. She told me of how she feel madly in love and married her rock star Jeff, and of her wonderful children Shannon, and Jack. It was so evident how deeply Cheryl loved her husband, children, and her entire family.
Her sudden passing makes me realize that one should not put off contacting friends and relatives as you never know when time runs out. I am so sorry that it did for my wonderful cousin. You are missed terribly and will be loved forever!
I would like to share this story that I remember very well. My brother Gerry was playing football in our alley and made a spectacular catch that ended with him colliding head first into an abutment on the garage. His forehead swelled up above his right eye from the impact. Neither my brother Ed or I could look at him without crying but cousin Cheryl Looked at him and said, "Gerry, you still look good to me." That's who Chery was!

I never met Crystal in person. I got to know her when we became social media friends after I reconnected with my old Lima friend and fellow musician her husband Jeff. Our conversations online gave me a sense of her personality as we discussed current events and music. She always had a great sense of humor and was a breath of fresh air to converse with even though that's sometimes hard to tell on social media. Crystal shined through. My sincere condolences to Jeff, their children and their families. Very sorry for your loss.

The most recent picture of my wonderful wife that her granddaughter Violet took the Friday before she passed. We love you and miss you immensely.

When I think of Crystal, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘non judgmental.’ She was the least judgmental person I’ve ever known, always seeing the good in people, and giving second, third and even fourth chances to people even when they didn’t really deserve it.
I went through a bit of a rough patch with each of my sons after they were born, postpartum I guess I would say.. she was always there to offer kind words that immediately gave me hope and made things feel better. 
Crystal spoke to me about being an empath (she thought I was one too), and feeling others emotions- happiness, but also pain , as if it was her own . The world needs more humans like crystal , and her passing leaves a tremendous void felt by all. I will miss her dearly.

I'm still coming by to crochet ...I know you will be there.  Crystal was so thoughtful, kind and bright. Like an exploding star she leaves a vacuum ...but full of sparkles. Rest in your Mimi's arms. I was honored you considered me a friend. ❤️

Shock and sadness, two words  have never been so true. 
So many memories of us growing up together in that 2 story apartment building on Talman ave in Chicago. Her family the Fabians on the second floor and ours, the Steins on the first. 
When we were kids she used to follow me around, she wanted to play with me in the worst  way. But i was 2 1/2 years older, but no wiser. She was the little  sister i never had.

Crystal was like the most beautiful flower you ever saw. You knew it wouldnt be there long. She was totally reactive to light, and to darkness, opening to the fullest in the morning sun, and closing to protect herself from the frost that came with the darkness of the night. 
What a loss.
But i know she wouldnt want us to be too sad. Just a little. 
She lived her life for her family. Every hour of her existence was focused on her loved ines and their happyness and their sadness. 
Jeff, Shannon  and Jack were her everything. 
And the grandkids were the icing on the cake, her every waking hour was devoted to them. She will be forever missed.

Jeff, Jack, Shannon, and grandchildren and all extended family.  Sending our sincere condolences on the loss of Crystal.  We know she will be missed by all.  You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,  🙏🙏🙏
Mark & Kim Morrison

Crystal sent this photo to show me her Halloween costume this year as the Princess of Darkness in honor of Ozzy Osbourne. She had me laughing so hard.

One recent memory I have is of  Crystal saying something to the effect that music is an integral part of her family’s life. “We live music!” That is likely what brought her and Jeff together when they met 44 years ago.

Crystal was full of life and mystery, and not afraid to be different. 

She so loved her children, her grandchildren, and of course the many cats that she fostered.

She was such a special lady. So welcoming, fun, and hilarious. She used to let us stay up all night in her home, hanging with the kittens and listening to music. Alice Cooper will always remind me of her. May she rest peacefully. She is missed!!

Dear Jeff, Shannon, and Jack,

My condolences. Cheryl was one of the sweetest people I ever met. I was lucky to know her from the time her parents, including her Dad (my Uncle Sam), lived in the upper flat of the two flat building they owned with my folks in Chicago -- essentially from the time she was born.

Cheryl displayed a love for life even as a little girl. My Dad called her "Cheryl Jean, the Jelly Bean."  

After Sam died we lost touch with her, but the Stein Boys (Ed, Jack, and myself) were delighted when Cheryl and her brother Marty sought us out about 20 years ago and we were reunited. After that we never lost touch.

As Shakespeare wrote, "When comes such another?" I will miss her wonderful laughter wit, intellect, and kindness. May her memory be a blessing.

OBITUARY

Cheryl Crystal Jean Huston

November 11, 1953 – October 30, 2023

Schoedinger Margarum Northeast

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