Caroline B. Crawford was born October 15, 1929 in Mendoza, Argentina. The daughter of Jerome Edward Johns and Carolla Gatica Olgien. Caroline grew up in her beloved Argentina playing in the pampas during the summer and attending British boarding schools in Chile during the year. She graduated from Ward College in Buenos Aires at the young age of 17 years old.
She always had an adventurous spirit and after meeting the “Mormon” missionaries, she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and boarded a ship to the United States to attend Brigham Young University where she majored in Archeology. It was there that she met her forever companion, William David Crawford. They were married in the Manti Temple and had a large family of six children and settled in Provo, Utah. She delighted in her children and played with us and took us on many camping trips and adventures. She taught us to love digging for treasure and finding antiques! She was a great cook and was known for her empanadas which were a favorite of her family and friends.
Caroline had a zest for life and learning. She was an avid reader and read several books a week for most of her life. There was always a stack of newly checked out books from the Provo library on her nightstand. She spent many years in the Pro Libris book club. She wrote many fun children’s stories and kept detailed journals throughout her life. She worked as a translator and taught English as a second language to many people and formed great lifetime friendships through that work.
Caroline was unique. An iconic woman who was a great example of spirit, optimism and strength to everyone around her. She had her own style and was always dressed “to the nines”. Decked out in Faux Furs and stacks of rings and necklaces! She was admired by many and adored by her children and family. We loved her humor, her beautiful smile and Spanish eyes.
Caroline was a warrior who overcame many obstacles in her life. defeated cancer not once but twice and helped to support her young family while also helping her husband through a serious illness. Her character and optimism helped her win every battle. The one thing that hurt her the most was the death of her son Paul from a fatal car accident at the young age of 22. She suffered silently and tried to help her family through it, but it definitely took a toll on her. How sweet the reunion must have been when she was reunited with her beloved son who she has longed for all of these years.
Caroline is survived by her children, Michael Johns Crawford, Kim Ruff Crawford, Jolene Crosby, Karin (Richard) Singleton, Janet (Pedram) Aram, eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William David Crawford, son Paul David Crawford and grandson Brandon Paul Aram. We are so grateful for you mom. For all that you taught us and the love you gave us. We are lonely without you, but we will carry the torch until we meet again.
For those who wish to attend, a viewing will be held on Sunday, March 14, from 5pm – 7pm at Berg Mortuary in Provo. A private graveside service will be held Monday, March 15th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville.
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Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Green
Although out time was short ( at soccer) i fell in love with Caroline! Such fun and spicy conversations. I loved her style! Such a honor to know your family.
Caroline was one of our favorite people in the Pleasant view 8th Ward, where she and Bill resided for many years. We loved to hear her talk, no matter the subject, as she always seemed to have a unique perspective. She had a giant spirit and we have missed her ever since she moved from our ward! Love to you Caroline and your sweet family, Dahrl and Alan Thomson
One of a kind! Caroline will keep on shinning wherever she is.
Such a unique personality and life.
It has been a privilege getting to know Caroline. She always delighted us with extraordinary stories and conversations.
Rest in peace dear Caroline.
I treasure the chats we had in the neighborhood and at church. I loved her genuine exuberance for living. She chose some fun in dealing with her hair loss by wearing different color wigs, "I've always wondered how it would be to be a blond." She encouraged our youngest son when he was writing poetry in high school, came to one of his readings. I loved the story about how her mother delighted in some special chickens, how her father built a beautiful, Italian-tiled chicken coop for them (I picture blue) and how her mother bedecked those chickens in her personal jewelry. I have missed Caroline since she moved. I wish I had taken time to visit her more in Springville. I cherish my memories with this dear friend. It pleases me that we happen to have a granddaughter named Caroline. Serves as a sweet reminder. We wish comfort and peace for her family's and our loss--heaven's gain for sure. Did Caroline ever finish writing the chicken story, anticipating illustrations by a family member? I would LOVE some sort of copy of that story. I have a small collection of some of her poems.
May the peace of the Lord be with you and know Carolne B. Crawford was a gift to you as well as a gift to this world. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, rest in peace - may all be comforted. Amen.
I only know her beautiful daughter Jolene, who is so much like her mom. And her son Kim who has talents. Of course they both do. I’m sorry for their lose. RIP’