Kathleen M. “Kathy” (Vaughan) Crowell

Kathleen M. “Kathy” (Vaughan) Crowell

March 7, 1935 – May 12, 2019

Preceded in death by husband, William R. “Bill” Crowell.  Survived by children: Noreen Oviatt (Ken), Kathy Sliffe (Gary), Joe Crowell (Jodi), Vaughn Crowell (Teri), Kevin Crowell (Lisa), Teresa Drelicharz (Jeff), and Dan Crowell (Becky); fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 15th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, May 16th at 11am, Holy Name Catholic Church, 2901 Fontenelle Blvd.  Interment, Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association and Servants of Mary.

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Kathleen Marie (Vaughan) Crowell, age 84, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019. She was born to the late Thomas Howard and Catherine Marie Vaughan on March 7, 1935. Kathleen grew up in the Omaha area and attended Holy Name High School. After graduation, Kathleen worked as a clerk for CA Swanson & Son. She and her high school sweetheart, William R. Crowell, began their lives as nursery mates at St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1935. In 1956, they wed and began their own family. They welcomed children—Noreen, Kathy, Joe, Vaughn, Kevin, Teresa, and Dan. Bill’s younger brother Charlie, joined them in 1958.

Kathleen was a military wife for 22 years, while her husband Bill served our country as a United States Air Force Pilot. Bill’s career provided their family the opportunity to live and flourish in many different areas of our nation: from Buzzard’s Bay, MA to Big Spring, TX, from Puerto Rico to Grand Forks, ND, from Portsmouth, NH to Little Rock, AR. Whether camping in the Smokey Mountains, canoeing in Canada, or engaging in lively swimming expeditions in the icy cold mountain streams of New England, family trips were long, memorable, and full of adventure.

After the youngest of her children entered school, Kathleen continued her own education at CE School of Commerce and soon attained a position with Northern Natural Gas. Once Bill retired from the USAF and began his second career as a State Farm Insurance agent, Kathleen utilized her secretarial skills to assist in building his business.

Her children recall many stories Kathleen would tell of her childhood and the “olden days” on her family’s acreage. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, vacations, and sleepovers at Gram-and-Grampa’s house. She loved attending Bill’s barbershop shows with the family and helping make the after parties a success.

Kathleen was a second-generation member of one of the largest Irish Catholic families in North America. Over the years, the reunions held by the Vaughan Family have brought hundreds of relatives from across the country. The Vaughan legacy will continue due in part to the dedication and leadership of both Bill and Kathleen.

Her loving devotion to her family was just one of the innumerable treasured qualities Kathleen possessed. She was ever so accommodating to the changing circumstances of military life, while at the same time attentively raising eight children. She carried through life with class and grace, while somehow also maintaining a surprising, iron-like strength many would aspire to. Perhaps one of her most cherished traits was Kathleen’s sharp wit, which brought much joy and laughter to everyone around her.

 

3 Comments

  • Kathy & Gary Sliffe Posted May 14, 2019 6:01 am

    As the bright beams of light shone on Dad’s picture when he came to take you home, you were the ray of sunshine in my life. Words can never capture the abundant love and dedication you gave to me and others in your life. A well lived life with purpose, kindness and grace. Just as Dad put it, I will also “always” love you! ~Kath~

  • Teresa Drelicharz Posted May 14, 2019 2:26 pm

    Well said Kath!!! I’m so glad you were with her during those last precious moments!

  • Sherri Lombard Posted May 15, 2019 9:58 am

    Sending love and prayers to everyone.
    Love Sherri & Aubrey Lombard

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