Tuesday, June 4th punctuated the inevitable end of life for a strong and loving wife, mother, and grandmother just two weeks shy of her 82nd birthday. She had fought a five-month battle with two major health problems and succumbed at home with her husband by her side. Finally, she is now at rest.
Mary E. Crane, wife of Lt Col Kerry J. Crane (USAF Ret) and resident of Montgomery for 45 years, was born in Gloucester, MA but spent her growing up years in Rockport MA, a small fishing and tourist destination on the North Shore of Massachusetts. She graduated from Rockport High School and attended a year of junior college before taking a position as Administrative Assistant to Avis-Rent-A Car manager in Boston. In August of 1961 she met her husband- to- be at a small private party. A few months and many dates later, the couple realized they viewed their future in each other. They eloped quietly in late December of 1961 and were married by a justice of the peace. That marriage began 62 years of a partnership which spanned Kerry’s Air Force career and a later one with a large non-profit organization in Montgomery. All the while Mary guided their three sons through public schools and then the challenges of college. The home front was never more secure with Mary present.
In all things she served as judge and jury with a strong tendency for leniency, became the glue when necessary, and always served as a problem solver when situations arose. She was respected by her sons and their friends, not an easy accomplishment. Whenever possible, she attended her sons’ activities, especially baseball. When her youngest son returned to Montgomery to start a family, she was thrilled to be able for the first time to see two grandchildren every day and watch them grow up. She was a fixture at every youth baseball game and every occasion for cheerleading. Biologically, everyone can become a grandparent, but only a few like Mary can be thrilled by the opportunity and find love and fulfillment every day.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Evelyn Dailey, formerly of Rockport MA; brother, Russell Dailey, formerly of Rockport MA; sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Joseph Spanoghe, formerly of Salem MA; brother-in-law, CDR (USN Ret) Stephen Crane, formerly of Pensacola FL; and brother- in-law, Jade Donaldson of Rockport MA. She is survived by her husband, Kerry Crane of MGM; sons, Shaun of MGM, Chris (Shelly) of Orlando FL, and Jeff (Shannon) of Pike Road AL; sister, Jean Donaldson of Rockport MA; sister-in-law, Janet Dailey of Rockport, MA; grandchildren Gracie and Chloe Crane, Kyle Crane of Miami FL, Chandler Crane of St. Marys GA, and Jack and Ava Crane of Pike Rd AL; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
A private burial was held on June 12th for family at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Donations in honor of Mary can be made to the charity of your choice. The family of Mary Crane extend their many thanks to Hospice of Montgomery for their support and preparation for Mary’s final hours of life at home.
