Obituary of Jean Ganson Crawford

Jean Ganson Crawford, born Madaline Jean Byrd and affectionately known as "Byrdie" or "BTB", passed away peacefully on July 27, 2019, in her residence in Simi Valley, Calif. She was 88 years old. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rose Family Funeral Home on August 1, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

 

Jean was born in Englewood, N.J., to Frederick J. and Madaline E. Byrd on November 26, 1930.  She attended Closter High School, graduating in 1948, then attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, for two years.  She married Donald McFarlan Ganson Jr. in 1951 and built their first home in Cheesequake, N.J. 

 

Between 1951 and 1973 Jean and Don moved 12 times and had six children! Needless to say, she was a full time home-maker and mother for many years. Jean later worked in a department store as a sales associate for 20 years, retiring in 1996. She worked part-time in her daughter Debbie's chiropractic office for several years thereafter.

 

Jean was widowed at age 57, losing her husband Don to cancer.  Nevertheless, she managed to retain the family home and finish raising all six children, including funding college for those who desired.  She was proud of her financial independence on rather modest earnings.  

 

In the summer of 2001, Jean married widower Ken Dale Crawford of West Hills at the Canoga Park Presbyterian Church, where they were both long time active members and Deacons.  They also enjoyed taking trips in their motorhome, visiting family and sights around the country. Sadly, she was unexpectedly widowed within the year.  

 

Jean's hobbies included spending time with her six grandchildren, camping, playing the piano, gardening, walking and singing in the church choir.  She was involved in P.E.O. and volunteered for the American Lung Association.  She received many awards and titles in high school that spoke of her vivacious and kind personality: Class Clown, Best Actress, Easiest to Get Along With, Class Giggler, Nicest Eyes and, finally, Most Admired.

 

Jean Ganson Crawford is survived by her children Kerry Perkins, Bruce Ganson, Sandy Heinis Ganson, Evelyn Ganson Trevino, Joe Trevino, Doug Ganson, Scott Ganson, Sirima Buddhari Ganson, Debbie Ganson Nino and John Nino; her grandchildren Jessica Perkins, Mark Trevino, Adam Heinis, Daniel Trevino, Lindsay de la Rosa, Lou de la Rosa, and Christine Trevino; and great grandchildren Atlas Flatt-Trevino and Opal Rose Trevino.  Jean is preceded in death by husbands Donald M. Ganson Jr. and Ken D. Crawford, her daughter Carol Ann Ganson Perkins, her grandson Paul Michael Trevino and her brother William F. Byrd.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org)

 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Simi Valley Residential Care and Assisted Hospice for the compassion provided to Jean in her final days, as well as to all who love Jean and her family for their support throughout this time.