DOWNEY - Margaret Mary (Morrissey) Crowe, a volunteer who dedicated much time to several local organizations, passed away Jan. 21. She was 89.Crowe was born May 18, 1919 in Chicago to Irish immigrant parents. She grew up in Homewood, Ill., the eldest of three. She worked as a secretary and librarian helping to support her family after her father died during the Depression. She married John "Jack" Croew in 1945 and together they moved to California after World War II. They lived most of their married life in Lynwood, raising their children and being active members of St. Emydius parish. She volunteered at the parish school and became involved with many organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Altar Society, Junior Catholic Daughters, and the Mother's Club. She also helped in both the church and school libraries. She later worked at Huntington Park Public Library and volunteered at the Southeast Churches Service Center. Margaret and Jack moved to Downey in 1986 and became members of St. Raymond's Catholic Church. That same year Jack died from cancer. Margaret continued to live in Downey until 2001, during which she volunteered at the Rancho Los Amigos library and was a member of the Legion of Mary. She then moved into assisted living facilities in Whittier and then Sierra Madre. She is survived by her sister Joan Kuffer, of Chicago; children John, Tom, Dan and Kathy (Perez); daughter-in-law Mary; grandchildren Kevin (Jen) and Brandone Crowe, and Teresa, Nicholas and Steve Perez; and great-grandchildren Christine and John Crowe. She was predeceased by her brother Jim Morrissey of Downey. A visitation and rosary were held Jan. 26 at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach. A funeral mass took place the following day at St. Raymond's. Internment later followed at All Souls Cemetery. ********** Published: January 30, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 41