Sylvia Crawford

On Friday, July 30, 2021, Sylvia Gay Crawford, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 88.

Sylvia, affectionately known as “Nana”, was born on September 28, 1932, in Tulsa, OK to Frank Joe and Ruth Wagester. Nana received her radiologic technologist certification in 1952 and worked as an x-ray technician where she met her husband, Robert Crawford, after a New Year’s Eve car accident serendipitously landed “Bob” in her care. On August 22, 1953, she married Robert LeRoy Crawford. Married for 60 years, they raised six children together, four boys and two girls.

Nana is survived by her four sons, Greg (Barbara), Kevin (Pam), Todd (Serethia) and Brad (Natalie); her two daughters, Dayna and Leslie (Lee); 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Nana cherished her family and the love it brought her above all else. She endured the unknown hardships and struggles of her final year and remained loving despite any pain, confusion, or fear she faced. Nana’s perseverance derived from her true nature as the nurturer and matriarch of her family and in her final days she wished for peace.

Nana lost her mother at a young age and this created a value for life and relationships that many of us could not understand. In the face of adversity, Nana always found a way to turn her burdens into her blessings. Her wisdom was born from generations of strong Native American women who were connected deeply to their heritage and spirituality.  She possessed an unmatched wit and found humor in the mundane. Her lust for life encouraged her fondness of music, dance, and travel. Nana’s greatest asset was her ability to love deeply and her greatest desire was to be loved by those around her.

Nana was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated her life to making sure her children and grandchildren had unconditional love and support. There was never a night without a delicious dinner or morning without a bountiful breakfast. Nana’s devotion to her family was expressed through her selfless acts and her never ending words of encouragement. She always made sure that her home was a safe haven for anyone who needed comfort or support. Nana had an abundance of lifetime friends that meant the world to her. Thank you Betty, Jan, Barb, Carolyn, Carol, Ray, and Judi for giving her such meaningful companionship. We have all been so lucky to have had such a staunch advocate by our sides.

Nana was also gifted with beautiful artistic ability which she expressed through her floral arrangements. She enjoyed combining her passion for nature with her eye for beauty and created wonderful designs. Nana always made sure that those close to her grieving a loss or celebrating a union had the most beautiful flowers to help them through the process. She was always generous beyond expectation. Nana was also a gifted writer; She possessed the ability to enthrall you with her words and let you know, so eloquently, how much she cared.

Nana was so fortunate to have a team of loving caregivers by her side, who became enamored with her wit, heart, and strength. We would especially like to recognize Elizabeth “Jill” for her devotion to Nana’s care. Our family will be forever grateful for the efforts of Nana’s medical team including the outstanding nurse Lacy and our singing nurse Mendy who went above and beyond. Please keep our family in your prayers as we will be shaken by the loss of our beloved Nana.

Though she will be missed fervently, her presence will always be found in nature, music, prayer, and the love each of us possess for our friends and family.