MIRIAM GRACE CRAWFORD (FERNS)

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MIRIAM GRACE CRAWFORD (nee FERNS) It is with sadness her family announces the death of Miriam Grace Crawford (nee Ferns) at Tuxedo Villa on January 18, 2015. Miriam was born in Calgary AB on March 19, 1917. In 1929 the family moved to Winnipeg where she attended Luxton Machray and St. Johns High. In 1937, she graduated from St. John's College University of Manitoba with a B.A. After a number of years working as a secretary she returned to the University of Manitoba and graduated with a Diploma in Social Work in 1945. In 1957 she earned her Master's degree in Social Work. For 27 years Miriam was employed by the Manitoba Government Department of Social Services first in Adoptions and later in Administration of Social Services. After retirement in 1974 she married Russell Crawford of Dryden, ON where she resided until his death in 1993. She then returned to Winnipeg and made her home in the Westwood area. Miriam was a lifelong member of the Anglican Church, first at St. John's Cathedral, then St. Lukes, Dryden and finally St. Andrews Woodhaven. She was an avid traveller and on her first trip to England in 1953 she was privileged to represent the Canadian Association of Social Workers at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and actually had a seat in Westminster Abby for the whole service. Since then she has travelled to many places as far away as Russia and South Africa. She was a strong supporter of the Arts and enjoyed plays, ballet, symphony and opera. Miriam was an avid reader and also enjoyed sewing and allied crafts. But most of all she was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and wife. She was predeceased by her parents, Janie and Stanley Ferns, brother Harry and spouse Maureen Fern of Birmingham, England, sister, Elaine Seline of Sutton, QC husband, Russell Crawford of Dryden, ON and great-grand-niece Abigail Stewart Pearse. She is survived by brother Donald and spouse Velma Fern of Saanichton, BC, sister Frances and husband Fred Hubbard of Winnipeg, brother-in-law Walter Seline of Sutton, QC, 14 nieces and nephews and their families and stepson Bob Crawford and Thecla of Dryden, ON and his family. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre. Interment will take place at a later date at the columbarium in St. John's Cathedral. Donations to the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3 would be gratefully received. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2015