Dorothy Crow

Dorothy J. Baker Crow celebrated her 95th birthday on the 30th of December.  She made her final journey from our sight on February 9, 2020.

She was born December 30, 1924, to Richard A. and Ruth M. Baker in Billings, MT.  Dorothy had two siblings, Virginia Baker Garner and Richard W. Baker; growing up together in Billings they attended public school and graduated from high school there.  A big part of their social lives included participating and competing in 4H at county fairs in sewing and baking.   They made many lifelong friends; friendships enjoyed together throughout their lives.

Dorothy married Floyd Eugene Crow June 11th, 1943.  Floyd joined the US Navy that summer, serving in WWII.  In Dorothy’s prayers, she gave thanks every night that they were one day closer to the end of the war.

After the war, Floyd and Dorothy moved from Billings to Redondo Beach, California, making their journey in a Model T with their two baby girls, Virginia - born April 4th 1944, and Helen - born February 21st 1946.  Floyd and Dorothy’s family grew while living in Redondo Beach with the births of their son Lawrence - born February 4th 1950 and daughter Sallee - born March 4th 1952.

Dorothy loved being involved in family and community; she was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Campfire Girl Leader, active in Cub Scouts, PTA, a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary and an officer in the Cd'A Eagles.  Her favorite pastime was gardening; she always had an amazing yard and garden, passing down her knowledge and experience of gardening to future generations.  She belonged to the Fuchsia Society and participated in both fuchsia and camellia competitions.  She studied interior design and always had a lovely home.  Dorothy also enjoyed sewing and crocheting---including beautiful afghans and baby blankets she made for the family.

Dorothy worked several years at Hughes Aircraft in California.  The family moved from California to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in August 1963.  Dorothy went to work at Clare-Pendar when it first opened, working there for several years.  She also worked in Food Services for Cd'A schools.  She next obtained her real estate license and became a successful residential and commercial real estate agent in the greater Cd’A area.  In recent years Dorothy volunteered in the Youth Program at Unity Church where she still attended and worked in their community garden.

Dorothy is survived by her 3 daughters Virginia, Helen and Sallee; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memories from Dorothy’s family

• Grandma had a way of making me feel so very special – not just to her but in the world.  She was a wonderful nurturer and encourager.
• I remember going for walks that, at the time, seemed to me like a giant forest by their house.  Playing badminton in their backyard, having barbecues, their big luscious garden and always having a big open lawn.  I always loved their backyard lawns and I liked playing the organ when I was visiting.
• I will always treasure the memory of her sweet smile, her laugh, her kindness and her love of family and friends.
• I remember Grandma putting so much love into preparing for our visits.  We drove to Idaho for Christmas one year and she had special gifts ready.  Every morning we woke up to a homemade gift.     I especially remember the homemade stocking full of little surprises.  Wish I still had that stocking.
• My Grandma taught me to appreciate the joy in small things, that everything and every situation has something good to offer.  I learned the value of love, kindness and friendship from her.  She always believed in me, which is priceless.  These things are her legacy and will never be replaced, she will be greatly missed, she deserves a parade.
• Her steadfast patience and support throughout my life, she was a master of conflict avoidance, generous and also “depression era” thrifty, a true member of the Greatest Generation.  Because service men weren't allowed to divulge their location, her husband wrote her that he would be visiting Aunt Alice (who lived in the San Francisco area).  She rode the train for 3 days with her infant daughter from Billings to San Francisco and amazingly found him on the ship-docks there.
• Memories of her playing the piano and organ and her life-long love of classical and show tune music; being happiest when her home was filled with friends and family dancing and singing.

A memorial service will be held in the late spring.

Donations in Dorothy's honor may be made to Hospice of North Idaho