Marie Crawford

Marie Elizabeth Crawford

May 30th 1932 - June 30th 2025

Yesterday we lost a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as Marie, 93, took her final breath and began a new journey to rejoin those who went before her - reuniting with her son Stanley, who left us far before his time, her parents William and Geneva Crawford, two sisters Alma Ashley (2025) and Ella Nakai (2019) and her two brothers Quinten and Tom Crawford.

Now she joins her entire family once more - three sisters reunited in an unbreakable bond, alongside her beloved brothers and parents, finally free to return to the sacred traditions and ancestral homeland that shaped their souls - becoming once again part of the eternal fabric from which they came.

Marie was born in Ganado, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation and lived her life in full respect and custom of the Navajo way. She spoke Diné bizaad fluently and carried forward the traditions that connected her to generations of her people. Surviving her is daughter Michelle and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were incredibly lucky to have Marie in their lives.

Marie lived through tough times, an era when poverty affected all corners of this country. Adapting and making do was one of her strongest suits, and she faced every challenge with the resilience that defined her character. Despite hardships, she created a life filled with love, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to family. Marie was widely known as “Mom” or “Gramma Re”, even to those unrelated - they saw an influence of character to be revered and proudly thought of her as their own.

Marie was blessed with two children. Her hand was held during her final moments by her daughter Michelle Fern, grandsons Isaiah and Joshua Yazzie, and nephew Jon Yazzie. She was told she was loved, because she truly, deeply was.

Marie had many passions that brought joy to her daily life. She loved basketball and was one of her daughter's biggest supporters during her school basketball career, never missing a chance to cheer from the sidelines and continuing to follow the sport throughout her life. The Beatles provided the soundtrack to many of her days, and her kitchen was known for producing the best frybread, stew and tortillas on earth - traditional Navajo foods made with love and passed down through generations.

Christmas time was pure magic in Marie's world, when family gathered and her heart was fullest. These moments with loved ones were her antidote to life's challenges, and her sense of fairness guided and grounded her through a long and tough life - though still too short for her incredible soul.

She was a remarkable person who lived long but was taken too soon. Those who knew her will remember the good times, the laughter, and yes, even the times when she would "pop her top" - because Marie was authentically herself in every moment. Her life spanned between wars, witnessing humanity's first steps on the moon, countless scientific advancements, triumphs and tragedies. Her eyes saw so much human history unfold, and her heart beat through nearly a century of extraordinary change and heartbreak.

She has now returned home to her family, her customs, and her light shining brightly - a beacon that will continue to guide all those whose lives she touched. She lives on in all who knew her, and we hope she is at peace now, surrounded by her loved ones and knowing she was deeply cherished during her time on earth.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) and Abrazo Hospital (Central Campus) for their tireless work and dedication to Marie's care and well-being. Their compassion during this difficult time will not be forgotten.

A GoFundMe is being set up in Marie's honor to assist with her final wishes and memorial services. A memorial service will be announced at a later time, and information will be provided.

Hózhó.