Joanne C. Crane's Obituary
Joanne Cusack Crane was born in New York City on August 2nd, 1934 to Scottish immigrants. As a young girl, she lived in many different places due to her father's occupation as a skilled plasterer.
Joanne graduated from Roosevelt High School, Washington D.C.,1951, attended Washington College, Chestertown, MD and graduated from Florida State University in 1955 with a B.A. In psychology.
She met and married her husband Marvin Crane, USAF, while she was a student at FSU. After graduating she moved with Marvin to Hahn AFB, Bitburg, Germany where he was to be stationed. They had four children; Robert, Susan and Jean Anne, born while in Germany and youngest son John who was born in Texas at Randolph AFB, which was the next duty station.
During the next duty station at Eielson AFB, Alaska, Joanne got her start in the floral industry. She was a self taught florist and had the first flower shop in the military services at Eielson AFB, Alaska, eventually branching out to cover Ft. Greeley, AK and Ft. Wainwright, AK during flower holidays.
After her husband Marvin retired from the USAF and moved the family to Lakewood, WA, Joanne continued her education and took a fifth year at P.L.U. Tacoma, WA to obtain a teaching certificate.
She worked for the Clover Park School District as a teacher from 1965 to 1974.
In 1970, Joanne and Marvin started Crane's Creations, Inc. in Lakewood, WA with a $3000.00 investment. Once the business became successful, she started working full time, eventually having multiple locations in the Pierce County area.
Joanne loved being a florist and business owner. Under her leadership, Crane's Creations, Inc. grew and won many awards and was recognized as "Business of the Year" by the Small Business Administration. She served on many boards and was past President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. She was also proud to be a member of Lakewood Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary.
Joanne was active in many organizations and volunteered her time and expertise with many worthwhile causes in her community.
She was smart, funny, loving and a great mom and grandmother.
Joanne passed away with her family at her side after complications from a lengthy illness Jan 13, 2015.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Annie Cusack, brother George Cusack and her beloved husband, Marvin Crane.
She leaves and will be sorely missed by her children, Robert Crane (Roma); Jean Anne Dartford; Susan Hawkins (John) and John Crane (Kimberly). Grandchildren, Shanna Crane; Joey and Jimmy Eavey; Hilary Weiss and Lucas Dartford; Scott and Kathryn Crane, great grandchildren, Bailey Weiss and Eli Crane.
The family would like to express special thanks to Joanne's faithful caregiver and companion, Kay Russo, for the many years of dedication, kindness and service. Additionally, heartfelt thanks to caregiver, Kerry Goelman for being there for mom.
Also, thank you to the best neighbor, Al Birkland, and longtime, very close friend Ron Irwin, always just a phone call away and thank you to the many friends mom had, for their friendship.
Visitation Thursday, Jan 15, 5-8 P.M. Mountain View Cemetery and Funeral Home.
Funeral service, Friday, Jan 16, 2:00 P.M. Mountain View Valley Chapel.
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