JOSEPHINE MARGUERITE (DAWN) CROWDER (IRVING)

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JOSEPHINE MARGUERITE (DAWN) CROWDER (nee IRVING) September 5, 1921 October 7, 2017 Dawn brought an end to her pain and suffering by silently, with grace leaving us on Oct. 7, 2017. Dawn was predeceased by her parents Marie and John Irving and her siblings John, Joe, Violet, Molly, Ben, Eileen, Robert, and Marie Irving. Mourning her passing are sons Joe (Jennifer) and Harry Crowder. Also mourning are her Grandchildren Nicole Wilde (Devon), Katie Crowder (Joel), Laura Crowder (Darrin) Jesse Crowder (Tammy). Also Dawn's nieces and nephews; Olwyn (Hank), Bronwyn (Reiner), Douglas (Nancee), and Barney Irving. Brian McGann (Kathie), Great niece Colleen and Great Grandchildren Mackenzie, Zach, Ashlyn, Nicholas, and Cameron. Dawn was born in Trail B.C. and was the youngest of nine siblings. She was always curious and as it turned out in her schooling that a few of her teachers were her own older sisters. In her late teens Dawn spent summers playing piano entertaining passengers on board the Moyie paddle wheel steamer up and down Kootaney Lake. After going to U.B.C. in Vancouver to get her B.A. Dawn returned to Trail and worked in journalism as Woman's Editor at the Trail Daily Times. While living at her mother's friend's boarding house in Trail, Dawn met a young Chemical Engineer named Ed Crowder who was working at Cominco Smelting. They fell for each other right away and the rest is history. Married in 1943, they began a 66-year marriage and life adventure traveling for Ed's job moves. They went from Trail to Rossland, then Kimberly, on to Stockton, California and Best Fertilizers. From there they went to Medicine Hat with Northwest Nitro Fertilizer. Then on to Winnipeg at Border Chemical and finally to Brandon where Ed was Manager and CEO at Simplot Fertilizer. After Ed retired, they moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family. Dawn's flair for decorating and design made her an excellent "domestic engineer" in and around the houses the family lived in. She truly was the woman behind the successful man, providing support in Ed's working career and through their retirement until his passing in 2010. Dawn loved music, playing the piano and singing. She enjoyed playing cards and a game of solitaire was always on the table. Dawn was also no stranger to a fun game of Scrabble. Everyday Dawn read the paper, did the crossword puzzle and watched Jeopardy - it was rare when she didn't know all the answers! Dawn always loved going out dancing with Ed, having a nice dinner with family, listening to music, bowling, sewing, mending, and reading. She enjoyed traveling to places like California and the southern United States, Europe and her favourite place of all Hawaii. There was usually a family trip back to the Kootaney's every summer until 1967 when they purchased a lake front cottage at Falcon Lake. Many enjoyable family gatherings and fun times were spent there. A lifelong learner Dawn had a gift for being able to meet and talk with anyone and know all about the topic at hand. She became a news junkie with the advent of cable TV and was always knowledgeable of the events of the day. Dawn had wonderful long life until July 2015 when she had a Stroke that left her trapped in her body unable to walk or speak. Unfortunately, she was still totally aware what was going on around her. The pain and suffering are now over and Dawn is with Ed - the man she loved and who absolutely loved and adored her. Thank you, Dawn for being a fabulous mother, great friend and avid supporter of us all. We all miss you. Cremation has taken place and there will be no service or burial. We would like to thank the helpful staff at Meadowood Manor for Dawn's care, attention, and support. Donations may be made to the heart & stroke society or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2017