Mary A. Crawford

Mary A. Crawford of Tabernacle passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Samaritan Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mount Holly. She was 70. Born in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late John V. F. and Elizabeth Crawford; Mary was a lifelong area resident. She grew up in Southampton and was a graduate of Holy Cross High School. Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and went on to work in the environmental field, at Kleinfelder in Hamilton. Most recently, she substituted for Lenape Region High Schools and Southampton District. The sister of the late John V. F. Crawford, Jr; She is survived by 2 brothers Joseph Crawford (Donna), Francis Crawford (Karla) and 2 sisters Catherine Briscoe (Michael), and Judith Anderson (Victor). She is also survived by 95-year-old uncle Francis “Ducky” Crawford of Philadelphia. In addition, she is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great nephews. Mary was a miracle from the very beginning. Born with a cyst on her right lung, she underwent emergency surgery at just three months old when the cyst ruptured and severely damaged her lung. The lifesaving surgery was rarely performed on adults and almost unheard of for infants. Her survival marked the beginning of a life filled with strength, resilience, and an adventurous spirit. From a young age, Mary embraced life fully. She was active in the Girl Scouts, where she developed a lifelong love for camping and the outdoors. In college, she discovered a passion for fencing and became the head of the Panthers Fencing Club at Burlington County College. Her dedication and skill led her to win first place in the Women’s Open Sabre Meet in 1973. Mary had a heart for travel and tradition. She spent nearly every summer of her life with family in Ocean City, New Jersey—a cherished routine she maintained into adulthood. Her adventurous spirit took her across the United States, and even to Italy. She also lived in San Francisco, California, for a year, always embracing new places and experiences. Mary was a deeply selfless and nurturing person. For over 15 years, she opened her home to her nephew Steven, grand-niece Tiffany, and grand-nephew Matthew Briscoe, offering unconditional love and support. She had a soft spot for animals and rescued every one she could. Her love for family ran deep—she became an ordained minister and was honored to officiate the weddings of several nieces and nephews. A lifelong learner and storyteller, Mary had a deep passion for history and research. She loved uncovering the past and sharing stories with those around her, weaving connections between generations. Mary will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her sense of adventure, and the unwavering love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. Relatives and Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, April 9th from 10am – 11am at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly. Funeral Services will follow at 11am. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery Hainesport. www.perinchief.com

Mary A. Crawford

October 2, 1954 - April 2, 2025