Mary Crowley Obituary

Mary Kathleen (Meglich) Crowley

Mary Kathleen (Meglich) Crowley, 77, died January 25, 2025, at Abbot Hospital in Minneapolis.

She was born February 19, 1947, in Eveleth, Minn., the daughter of Frank M. and Lucy Madeleine (McCormack) Meglich.

Mary graduated from Eveleth High School in 1965 and went on to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She graduated in 1969 majoring in education, English and theater and earning a BS degree with distinction.

She married Charles "Charlie" Crowley 48 years ago on November 27, 1976. The couple had 2 children, Charles "Chad" Crowley, and Kathleen "Katie" Crowley.

Mary was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother sharing her love and support with family and friends. Always a positive spirit, she brought joy to all who knew her. Her shared wisdom and brilliance added to the lives of many. Her legacy of love and commitment to her family will be always remembered and greatly missed.

Mary's passion for family and friends was reflected in her life-long commitment to the communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

After graduation Mary worked at Twin Cities OIC, now Summit Academy OIC, where she taught English, typing, accounting, and speedwriting. She eventually became the Special Projects Coordinator where she helped organize a national convention in Minneapolis and led the accreditation process for TCOIC to become accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

After 17 years Mary left TCOIC to become the executive director of Phillips Community Development Corporation. There she was an original member of the Consortium of Community Developers.

Mary's work in Phillips led to her being named executive director of People Serving People (PSP) serving homeless families in Minneapolis. She led the effort to acquire a new service site and raised $16,000,000 for its acquisition and renovation. Under her leadership PSP became an award-winning organization providing quality housing and supportive services for homeless families in the area.

Mary's final contribution to the community in a life filled with service was as a program leader for the Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation.

When not working for her non-profit programs, Mary loved to travel and has journeyed to most states including Alaska and Hawaii. If not on a road trip serving as the navigator for her husband, she loved traveling by train. Seattle, New Orleans, and Washington DC were all within easy reach with Amtrak ticket in hand. She rarely chose to fly over "fly over country." Her journeys included three visits to Europe and a week in West Africa. She could enjoy the classic tourist sites but always relished the opportunity to take a side trip to a local market sans guide, embracing the exposure to other cultures.

Mary was a prolific reader, often finishing two books in a week. She would purchase used paperbacks in bulk and after devouring them would recycle them yet again through her regular Goodwill donation. She loved mysteries from Doyle's Sherlock Holmes to the latest whodunnits. For lighter reading she always had a Harlequin romance at her side.

Family history and genealogy were additional hobbies. She enjoyed the journey of following her mother's (Irish) and father's (Slovenian) roots back to "the Old Country." Stories of her "very" Irish mother and her Slovenian grandmother who never learned to speak English are bound to be repeated for generations to come.

Mary is greatly missed and survived by her husband Charlie, son Chad (partner Kari O'Brion}, daughter Katie (wife Kelsey), and grandchildren Stella and Wylie.

Funeral service Friday, Feb. 7, at 1:30 p.m. ~ Gill Brothers Southwest Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave S., with visitation one hour prior. Interment ~ Lakewood Cemetery.

Gill Brothers 612-861-6088 www.gillbrothers.com