Joan Ellen Crow

Our beloved Joan Crow passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Joan was 86 and lived a fruitful and generous life. She was an interested friend to all her knew her and a willing volunteer to the many civic organizations she supported. Arriving in Sierra Madre in 1965 with her husband Bruce Crow and their three young daughters, Patty, Nancy, and Kathleen. Joan wasted no time in getting involved with Civic Club, a local philanthropic organization and eventually being its president. A lifelong Catholic, Joan attended St. Rita's Church on a regular basis and enrolled her children in its school. Her faith was personal, deep and a living reality of caring for others with a focus and willingness to place others in an active place in her heart. Joan enjoyed the company of friends and eagerly volunteered in the many school activities at St. Rita's, including being an active St. Rita's Guild member and taking on the role of Guild President. Joan's spiritual life was further nourished by her love of the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center and attending weekly mass with "the ladies of the pew."

Joan and Bruce's rich family life took on an added joy when their only son Steven was born in 1968. Joan was active in Sierra Madre Girls softball, the Creative Arts group and the Sierra Madre Library. Joan's love for her family and her community was apparent to all who knew her. She could be counted on to organize an event and inspiring others to give of their time and was just as willing to show up and do the work required. She was humble, loving, and generous with her attention and friendships. Joan's interests in the Sierra Madre community included being active in the Garden Club and the Sierra Madre Historical Society. She enjoyed the honor of being the Older Citizen of the Year in 2013 and was deeply touched to the be the Grand Marshall of the Sierra Madre 4th of July parade that same year.

Joan kept her mind sharp with a steady diet of reading books, the LA Times and playing bridge. She had a love for theater and was an avid supporter of the Sierra Madre Playhouse, the Pasadena Playhouse and A Noise Within Theater in Pasadena. She was an early member of the Red Hat Society and loved finding novel outings to take her friends to when it was her turn to host the event.

Joan will be missed for her loving and beautiful presence and the deep well of generosity that she so readily and naturally drew from. The touch of her love leaves a lasting imprint on her family, her friends and her acquaintances and the power of her soul will be cherished by all who knew her.

Please join Joan Crow's family for the funeral and celebration of her life on Tuesday, May 24th at 11am at St. Rita's Church (318 N. Baldwin). Graveside burial will take place at the Pioneer Cemetery (535 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.) directly after Mass. All are invited to attend, please park on the street. A celebration of life party will commence in the O'Malley Hall at St. Rita's once the family has returned from the graveside.

A viewing visitation will occur Monday, May 23 from 5:00pm-9:00pm at Douglass and Zook, located at 600 E. Foothill Blvd, Monrovia(626-358-3244). The Rosary will be said from 7:00pm-7:45pm during the visitation.

Thank you for celebrating the wonderful and beautiful life of Joan Crow with her family.

Joan enjoyed a long and personal relationship with the following organizations. If you feel moved to honor her with a donation, we gratefully encourage you to choose from the following:
-St. Rita's Catholic Church
-Matter Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
-Sierra Madre Civic Club
Thank you for your donation in Joan Crow's name. We appreciate your generosity.