Brona Lu Crawford, 80, of Helena, passed away Monday.
She was born to the late Bob and Eva Crawford, August 27th 1932, in Helena, MT.
Brona Lu served as a nurse in the US Army which gave her the opportunity to travel while serving her country and also lead to her career as a nurse at Fort Harrison VA. Years later that desire to travel lead her to visit all 50 states and she thought every state had its beauty but believed the most beautiful state is Montana. Which makes sense why her great-grandfather settled here years ago.
Brona Lu was a very free spirit and had a real zest for life. She had a very beautiful soul that touched so many lives in wonderful ways. She was smart, witty, and had a great sense of humor. She loved music and loved to dance. She was a belly dancer for most of her life. Later in life she expressed her art in drawing, painting and clay arts. She was a member of the Clay Arts Guild and would spend a great deal of time there and made great friendships. One friend said his favorite Brona Lu quote is, “I think I’ll try something a little different.” And while her art was “a little different” it exemplifies the truly wonderful and unique person that she was. She invigorated many individuals to express themselves artistically by her passion for creativity.
Brona Lu is survived by her four children: Chuck Murray, Rex Hoy and Lalani Whelen, of Helena; and Eve Hopkins of Austin, TX. She also is survived by two brothers: Harry and Lee Crawford of Helena, MT; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with one on the way.
Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday July 1st, 2013 at Montana Veteran’s Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held afterwards at The Staggering Ox until 7 P.M..
I can hear her now saying, “Oh you bunch of mopeys, quit moping around and have a good time for me!”
A graveside service will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison on Monday at 3:00 p.m. A reception celebrating Brona’s life will be held immediately following the graveside service. Memorials in Brona’s name are suggested to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Monday July 1, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Cindy Backeberg says
Lani and Family,
So sorry to hear of your sudden loss, I was blessed to have met and spend the little time I did with Brona, what a great lady in many ways!
Please keep all the wonderful memories close at heart and know you are all close to mine!
With love,
Cindy
Anita Shontz says
I am so sorry for your loss. I spent a lot of time with Brona at the Clay Arts Guild and she was an inspiration to all. Her gusto for life, her artistic talent and her genuine personality will bring us treasured memories. We will all miss her.
Anita
Jenny (Byrd) Dargan says
Chuck, Evie, Rex & Lani: our thoughts and prayers are with you all, so very sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was such a beautiful, contagious person who meant the world to us. She will be remembered fondly and missed. If there is ANYTHING we can do, just say the word and we will be there.
Judy (Harris) Baker says
I will never forget the infectious smile, wonderful attitude and genuine goodness of BronaLu. I can see why she was mom’s best buddy in their growing up years! What a treasure she was! Mom is probably having a grand reunion with her right now! I’m sorry for your loss but happy for her…she’s in a much better place all around!!
Gina Beneventi Tweden says
Thinking of ALL of Brona’s family and what a great family she has. I feel so fortunite l that I could call Brona a friend. Brona will be missed by countless people, she made a friend where ever she went. This world sure was a better place with Brona in it.
R.I.P Brona
Love,
Gina
Bobbie says
Brona Lu was the one of the most amazing people have ever been blessed to know. Her humor was the best! She holds a very special place in my heart always!! My heart goes out to all of Brona’s family and friends. Brona was a very much loved by all who met her. She will be missed dearly!!
R.I.P. Brona Lu
Love,
Bobbie
Mike Dyrdahl says
My condolences to Brona’s family. The Clay Arts Guild brought Brona and I together to share our passion of artistic expression. I treasure the memories of Brona working in her little studio and her rickety old yellow chair. Brona created the most amazing sculptures of everyday ideas joined together in odd combinations – only Brona would put a blue elephant, a nude and a monkey together pose that makes the viewer smile and wonder “who would think of that”. I have one of Brona’s paintings hangiong in my house and it is one of my treasures. Thank you Brona.
Patty Ladd says
One of my favorite sayings of Brona was “I’ll try anything twice.” She was adventurous in all ways of enjoying life. Her enthusiasm was infectious as was her laughter. She was very witty and always made me laugh. She had a wealth of information and amazed me with her tidbits of knowledge about a large variety of things. She made a wonderful impact in my life and I will miss her so, so much.
Dawn says
Oh Brona, truly one of a kind. You should be an inspiration to all of us to get the most out of life and enjoy every minute. Thinking of all of her ‘kids’…this must be so hard.
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
Loni and family, I was so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. We have lost some wonderful people in the last two years, but we will always have our memories of them and will see them again one day. God bless you all.
Geri Siefert says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have many memories of Brona Lu, she was a wonderful mother to her children and very kind to all her children’s friends. Chuck, Eve, Rex and LaLoni I am sorry for the loss of your momma. Always cherish the wonderful memories…
Sheila (Chevallier) Mergenthaler says
Dear Family of Brona Lu
It’s been many years since I have been with your family, many fond memories out at the ranch in Canyon Creek. At a time like this we truly understand that death is an enemy, so sad to loose such a close family member. I truly do know what you are going through, losing my mom (Florence) over 30 years ago. Prayer and relying on God surely did help my through that terrible loss. My prayers will be with you all to help you cope with your loss.
Shannon (Throm) Hahn says
Laloni,
So sorry to hear about your Mom, may she RIP and may your many fantastic memories of her and her life live on in your heart and memories forever….my prayers r with u and your family.
Shannon
John & Patti Thompson says
Laloni,
We are very sorry to about the loss of your mom, may God comfort you during this time. Thoughts and prayers for you and all the family.
John, Patti, & Vern
Inez Slayman says
To Lani and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your mom’s outlook on life was great, wish more people were like her. We were neighbors years ago when you lived on Choteau, we lived across the alleyway. Take care.