Margaret Crawford

Margaret “Peggy” Louden Crawford, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019 after living with a long and gradual cognitive decline. A native of Grand Forks, ND, she spent her final years with her daughter’s family in Red Lodge, Montana.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) McKindsey Crawford, II; sister, Dorothy (Raymond) Sullivan; brother-in-law, Rolland Thompson. She is survived by her children, Bill (Jodi) of Crystal Lake, IL, Margaret (Bill) Karas of Red Lodge, MT, John (Melissa) of Shorewood, MN; grandchildren, Kindsey (Christopher) Hironimus, Bill (Christina), Grace Karas, Kayley; great-grandchildren, Clara, Elsie, Liam; sister, Joanne (Walter) Dick, sister-in-law, Mary Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.

Peggy met her husband on a blind date. Before they were married, Peggy moved to Rochester and became a candy-striper at the Mayo Clinic to be closer to Bill during his long recovery from a serious work related injury. Her support was instrumental in Bill’s recovery far beyond Doctors’ expectations. Peggy was the glue that kept the family and household together, taking great pride and finding humor in being a “Domestic Engineer” as a Home Economics graduate of College of Saint Catherine (1951). She quickly embraced the rustic conditions from her very first visit to the family lake cabin in northern Minnesota. She treasured the family time together in that isolated setting in the woods.  She enjoyed golf, sewing, gardening, and walking almost daily with Bill. She had a special place in her heart for friends from the “June 6” group of Edina Jaycees and dear friends of Bridge Club. In more recent years, Peggy enjoyed walks, dancing, and sharing the simple pleasures of life with her Willows Assisted Living family. Peggy never lost her sense of humor, making those around her laugh in her sweet way.

A memorial celebration of Peggy’s life will be 11AM Friday, January 17 at BRADSHAW, 3131 Minnehaha Ave S, with visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Grace Church or Alzheimer’s Association. Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.