Luanne Elizabeth Crawford

LuAnne, “LuLu”, Crawford was a warm, funny, generous, fiercely independent and hardworking person who always put the needs of others ahead of her own, both in life and in death. She passed away quietly on October 20, 2024, surrounded by her closest loved ones, in her favorite place, her home, after a courageous and difficult battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

LuAnne was born on the first day of spring, March 20, 1953, along with the soft and cheerful crocus blossoms and along with her very first partner in crime, her beloved twin Tom, who preceded her in death in 2002 and paved the way for her own futile fight with cancer. The twins were the first born to the late Lewis and Joann Crawford and were quickly joined by their brother Tim and then brother Jon. The fifties and sixties were filled with school, friends, family, drive-in shenanigans, and lots of laughs and good memories.

Luanne graduated from Caro High School in 1971, went on to business school in Saginaw and began a long career at the Tuscola Medical Care Facility. She retired from the State of Michigan’s Caro Center where her positive and funny attitude made an impression on many people. Some people retire and have no idea what to do with their lives, withering without work telling them what to do; this was not LuAnne. Lu plunged into her free time with gusto, becoming a treasure hunter of unparalleled skill. She was an avid basket weaver, gardener and pickler, with an eye for beauty that was a common thread through every passion she pursued. As a guest you would never leave hungry or without something wonderful, she had spotted for you. She worked hard as a matter of character, even in retirement, she approached her hobbies with determination, never idle for longer than a cup of coffee. Lu Lu’s house was always a hub of friends and family, where the coffee pot was always on and the refrigerator always full. Lu was easy to talk to and refreshingly honest. You would be wise not to ask for her opinion unless you wanted the truth.

LuAnne is survived by her loving and heartbroken daughter Carrie Crawford (Patrick Reitmeyer, Sr.), her brother Tim Crawford and his partner, Mary David. Her brother Jonathon Crawford, his wife Kelly and their twin girls Whitney and Kayla and fur-niece Annabelle. Sister-in-law, Cindy Crawford (fur-baby Julio) and her children Bethany Hill (Matt Hill) and Cevin Crawford (Samantha Crawford), and their respective children Livia Ganley, Ayla Hill, and Cruz Crawford. Also, Aunt Margaret Emery (Roy Emery), Aunt Ann Emery (Wayne Emery) and Aunt Onalee Crawford (Milton Crawford). Several cousins and countless friends are also left to carry her memory. For all of those that were lucky enough to know and love LuAnne, a huge void remains in her absence. Also, condolences to the garage sale community and her friends at Goodwill. She was a one in a million person who will be greatly missed.

In keeping with LuAnne’s wishes cremation has taken place and when the soft and cheerful crocus reemerge from their winter slumber, a Celebration of Life will be held in her basket shop where a fresh pot of coffee will be waiting.