Wakefield – Elaine May Crawford, 90, of East Wakefield, NH, died quietly at Mountain View Community in Ossipee, NH on February 9, 2018. Born January 8, 1928, in Pittsfield, Maine, the daughter of Eunicia "Una" (Skipton) Gibbs and Clifton Gibbs. During her senior year at MCI Academy, the family moved to Rochester, NH resulting in graduation from Spaulding High School and marriage to Warren E. Crawford in 1946. During the birth of their four children, they resided in Rochester but then moved the family to East Wakefield to reopen and expand a general store.
Elaine and Warren were owners and operators of Crawford Corner Store opening in 1959 through the '60's in addition to opening Take 5 Drive-In during the '60's. In the mid '80's through summer of 2001, Elaine was caregiver to families residing in Wells and Ogunquit. She enjoyed games, crafts, picnics, rides, walks on Marginal Way, reading, feeding the birds. She was wonderful Mother, caring, feisty, determined and strong willed – and much loved by her family.
She is survived by her daughter Wanda Crawford and daughter-in-law Jean Huppe of East Wakefield; son Daryl Crawford of East Wakefield; daughter Cheryl Schlenker and son-in-law Peter Schlenker of Sanbornville, Sister-in-law Joan (Crawford) Roberts and brother-in-law Ralph Roberts of East Rochester, Cousin Allan Hodgkins of Rochester, Cousin Milton Gibbs of CT and several, nieces, nephews and cousins. Grandchildren include Daryl Crawford II, Dale Crawford and wife Stephanie, Derek Crawford and wife Kelly, Darcy Crawford, Dara Crawford, Amy Crawford and partner Joey Colon, David Crawford, Jr. and Peter G. Schlenker.. Great-Grandsons include Codie Crawford, Corey Crawford, Michael Schlenker, Hunter Crawford, Cole Colon, Andrew Crawford, Royce Milligan. Great-Granddaughters include Kelli Schlenker, Alana Colon, Sophie Colon.
Elaine is predeceased by her husband, Warren E. Crawford; son, David E. Crawford; Grandson Tahl Nolan, brother Clyde "Bill" Gibbs and sister-in-law Barbara (Foster) Gibbs, brother Eugene Gibbs and sister-in-law Marjorie (Dunton) Gibbs.
Donations in memory of Elaine may be made to Mountain View Community, 93 Water Village Road, Ossipee, NH 03864-7200. Please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com
SERVICES: Private service to be held in the Spring. Think of Mom when you read the following (only wish we knew name of author).
Do not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a diamond glint on snow.
I am sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star shining at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.