Barbara Thornblad Crowther's Obituary
Barbara T. Crowther, 90, returned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Born October 22, 1930 in Ogden, Utah, she was the last of six children born to her parents, Orson and Agda. She was educated in Ogden City Schools. After graduation, she became a registered nurse. While working as an RN, she continued her education and in the early 1950s, became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) after attending the University of Utah. She continued to work part-time as an RN after moving to Maryland.
Barbara was a lifelong, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was sealed to Kenneth Crowther for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Severna Park, Maryland where they raised their family. She was a stalwart believer in Christ and a never-ending example of service, perseverance, endurance, integrity, love, charity, and most of all an incredible mother to her children (as well as many "adopted" kids). Though a meticulous housekeeper, her welcoming home was always open to friends, family and other guests. Barbara quietly served others in many ways by providing meals, visiting the sick and caring for their children. She frequently did household chores for those in need. Although her greatest joy was being in the company of her family, she loved other social activities and enjoyed luncheons, outings and dinner parties with friends.
She loved to travel, including car trips, cruises, and visits to foreign countries with family and friends. Some of her favorite journeys were to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe , and Scandinavia. She had an intensely competitive side and loved to play Five Crowns, Scrabble, Roll 'Em, and other spirited table games. She was always ready for good Chinese food and a scoop or two of ice cream. Attending classical music concerts or listening to the works of her favorite composers brought her great enjoyment. She loved flowers. Receiving bouquets or live plants always brought a grateful smile to her face.
Her gifts of healing and compassion were known by many, including family members for whom she traveled across the country and took care of, often for months at a time. It may be a sad day here, but it is full of joy in heaven. After many decades of love and service, and nearly 25 years without the love of her life by her side, our sweet mother and awesome father have been reunited. We believe she was also met on the other side by her son, Paul, as well as her parents and all of her siblings.
“We can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.” (Russell M. Nelson)
Barbara is survived by her three daughters, Christy (the late William Radulewicz and the late Mario DiStasio), Karen (Robert) Harper and Allison (William) McDade as well as six wonderful grandchildren (Kirsten, Ryan, Kaitlin, Kristy, Ian and Russell) and one perfect great-grandchild (Oliver).
We will miss you mom. Thank you for your example, all you have taught us, and the love you always showed.
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