Gina I. Crowell

Regina Irene Stapleton (Carmody) Crowell, 65, of Springfield passed away at home on December 23, 2008 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family when God called her home. That call came earlier, but Gina did not want to go until she celebrated her daughter Jennifer's birthday on December 22. She was born August 11, 1943 in Springfield, the daughter of John and Catherine (Roth) Stapleton. Gina lived most of her life in Springfield, but also spent time in Quincy, Rock Island, the St. Louis area and Auburn. She married Bob Carmody in 1964 and they had two children. She was later married to Ken Crowell. Gina was a graduate of Xavier High School in St. Louis in 1961. She earned an associate's degree in social work at Lincoln Land Community College in 1990, and in 1999 she received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Gina worked for Dr. Hubbartt in the late 70's when she lived in Auburn. After moving to Springfield she was employed at the family business, Lee's Deluxe Cleaners, for many years. She was also a caregiver for the elderly in their home. Working with senior citizens was her calling, so she went back to school to pursue a career. She retired from Senior Services of Central Illinois in 2007, where she was a supervisor for Adult Protective Services for eight years. Gina was a tireless and devoted advocate for the elderly and considered it a privilege to serve them. After retiring, she spent time with family and friends and volunteered at Catholic Charities until her illness prevented her from doing so. She was a patron of the arts and encouraged others to support local theater. She attended numerous performances at the Muni, the Springfield Theater Centre, Sangamon Auditorium, and the Hoogland Center. Some of her most enjoyable days were spent at a play or museum with her grandson, daughters or friends. Her favorite play was Mama Mia, and her favorite musicians included Abba, the Bee Gee's, Enya and Elvis. She was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over thirty years, and served as a sponsor and mentor for so many others. Her friends in AA were her second family. Gina's sustained sobriety and learned wisdom was an inspiration to countless individuals struggling with the disease. She lived life "one day at a time" and her family was so proud of her accomplishments. She enjoyed reading true crime books, working crossword puzzles and playing poker and internet checkers. Gina will be remembered for being a loyal friend, a good listener, a thoughtful gift giver, a champion for the underdog, a creative writer, a great cook, an awesome grandma and a devoted mom. The proudest moment of Gina's life occurred in 1999 when she received a bachelor's degree at the age of 54. Her greatest joy was spending time with her only grandchild Bryan, whom she loved unconditionally. The highlight of her life happened in 1996 when she met Mother Teresa in Peoria and received a personal blessing. Gina's faith was very important to her and always at the forefront in her life. She strongly believed in the power of prayer and meditation, and encouraged and supported others on their spiritual path. Over the years she participated in numerous church and pro-life events and volunteered at St. John's Breadline and Catholic Charities. In her final days she had an acceptance and peace about her that only comes from knowing God. She was a member of St. Cabrini Catholic Church. During the last months of her life, Gina bravely participated in a clinical study to advance the treatment options for genetic small cell lung cancer. Her mother died of the same disease. Her family will always remember how she faced adversity with abundant faith, amazing courage, enormous grace, remarkable strength and endless humor. She will be received in heaven by her parents John Stapleton and Catherine (Stapleton) Neighbors, brother John Stapleton, father by marriage Gary Neighbors, niece Sandy Bartlett-Henry and other family and friends that preceded her in death. To cherish her memory she leaves two daughters, Brenda Carmody-Price (Jeff) of Rockford and Jennifer Bartlett (Chet) of Springfield; three sisters, Patty Bartlett (Fred) of Springfield, Judy Kale (Tom) of Sun City, AZ and Bridget Hulen (Mark) of Carbondale; grandson Bryan Bearden of Springfield; daughter by marriage, Kendra Paoni of Springfield; grandchildren by marriage, Alex and Jay Bartlett of Athens; many nieces and nephews and their children; and her granddogs Mario and Buddy, all of whom will miss her dearly. Our family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Diana Willadsen and her staff at the Springfield Clinic and to Deborah Horton of Memorial Hospice for the excellent care Gina received and the support you gave us. Your genuine concern, sensitivity and compassion helped us through a very difficult time. Memorial contributions may be made in Gina's name to Catholic Charities Crisis Assistance and Advocacy Office at 1023 E. Washington St., Springfield 62703. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2008 at St. Cabrini Church, 1020 North Milton Ave., Springfield. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:45 a.m., Monday, December 29, 2008, at St. Cabrini Church with Rev. Richard L. Chiola, celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, where Gina will be laid to rest with her loving family and second father.