Winnifred L. Crowley went peacefully into the arms of her Savior on September 22, 2011 surrounded by her family at the age of 94 – one of Montana’s last women WWII Veterans. Winnifred was born October 24, 1916 to Rev. George and Nellie Cagle in Texarkana, Arkansas. She graduated high school in Eldorado and attended nurses training in San Antonio, Texas. In 1943 she joined the US Army during WWII and rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. In 2001 she was honored in a ceremony by the State of Montana as one of the few living women WWII Veterans. It was one of the highlights of her life. During WWII she was stationed at Camp Maxey, Texas where she met her future husband, Gerald Crowley. She always said he was the best looking man in a uniform she ever saw. They were married in 1945 in Paris, Texas. After WWII they moved to Missoula Montana where she worked as a nurse at St. Patrick’s Hospital while Gerald attended law school. In 1950 they made Helena their home. She worked at Ft. Harrison Veteran’s Hospital, St. John’s Hospital and St. Pete’s Hospital. Mom never lost her southern accent and was always referred to as the “southern nurse.” She retired from nursing in 1966. They spent their retirement years traveling to many exotic places and wintering in Mesa, Arizona with their group of special friends.
Winnifred ran her race well and left a legacy of love to her three children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She loved well and all who knew her loved her in return. She will be greatly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant son, one son-in-law, two brothers, four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and all her many friends.
She is survived by her daughters Annell (Mike) Fillinger of Helena, Margaret McGrath of Helena, her son Larry (Barb) Crowley of Dallas Texas, eight grandchildren, Stacy Hamilton, Phoebe Williams, Sgt. Matthew Fillinger, Cara Crowley, Vincent Crowley, Austin Crowley, Lance Corp. Nicholas McGrath, Molly McGrath and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family extends a special note of thanks to the staff at Cooney Home for the loving care and kindness they showed to Mom over the last ten years.
A military graveside service will be held Wednesday September 28th at 1 pm at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow at the home of her daughter Annell. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in her name to the charity of your choice. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Winnifred, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Ann Womack says
The best aunt a person could have….she taught me how to skate by holding my hand and running along side of me…scared to death of falling, of course I skated…will miss her so very much….not enough visits with her, but she was in my thoughts daily… Love you Aunt Winnifred
To the family prayers and peace to you…..The whole original crew is in Heaven doing what only Lord knows.
Ann Raye
Heidi Beals McClain says
Dear Annell, Larry and Margaret,
Please accept our sincere sympathy. We are thinking of you and remembering your Mother. We hope that your memories will give you comfort at this time.
We have cherished our childhood memories of visiting Borghild and Harvey, which gave us the opportunity to play with you! Your Mother allowed us to come and go with a smile on her face! Our loud voices and laughter from putting on plays, “throwing rocks”, creating weddings and using our lively imaginations and freedom to explore your neighborhood was a special moment in time.
Sincerely,
Debby, Wendy, Heidi & Mark
(aka The Beals kids)
Curt Synness says
Condolences to the family. I got to know Mrs. Crowley a little bit through my friendship with Larry in high school, I thought she was a pretty cool mom. She had a regal way about her with a nice sense of humor, and I loved her southern accent.
Constance Griffith says
To the family of Winnifred Crowley,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire family. While I have not had the pleasure of personally meeting your mother, I am truly sorry for your loss. I am sure Winnifred was an excellent mother, and grandmother, that you will have many cherished memories of.
In times like these, I turn to God’s Word the Bible for comfort and I would like to share with you a wonderful promise he has made to us in John 5:28,29 which says in part, “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.
Also, Revelation 21:3,4 gives us this assurance, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more.”
May you all find much comfort in these future promises. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this most difficult time.
Laurie Nelson says
My family and I are sad for your loss yet, rejoice in knowing she with the Lord. My family visited her often at Cooney and ministered to others for a few years. She was a beautiful woman who loved her family and the Lord. It was a pleasure and honor to have met her. God be with you all in this time of mourning.
Marlene Lauretta says
Dear Annell and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful mother, Winnifred. I was the Cooney Home Administrator from 2000-2010 and I have such fond memories of your mom. She always had a kind word for everyone and her smile melted your heart. She will be solely missed. God Bless, Marlene Lauretta