Marcy Crandell, 1925-2008
A Renaissance woman whose true passion was her children and grandchildren has died at age 83.
A woman who defined herself by how much she loved others died Sunday at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital after a stroke. Marcy Novak Crandell was a writer, a lecturer, an avid traveler, a real estate broker, a motel manager, a dance teacher, and a keen student of literature. But no roles suited her as well as those of mother and grandmother.
“Many mothers’ love is special,” said her son, Larry Crandell Jr. “However, we were lucky enough to receive the very special love of someone who genuinely rejoiced in even our smallest victories, consoled all defeats, and was there like a rock when we needed her.”
A rosary vigil will be held at St. Barbara’s Parish at the Old Mission at 7 p.m. Thursday. A memorial mass will be offered, also at the Mission, at 10 a.m. Friday. The public is welcome at both services.
Marcy Crandell, 1925-2008
Marcella Novak Crandell, 83, mother of five, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of two, died Sunday at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital after a stroke. She was surrounded by her loving family in her last days and her final moments were very peaceful.
But with the support of her parents, Marcy excelled at school and in higher education, getting her Master’s degree in English Literature from Barnard College and completing all the course work for her Ph.D. at Columbia University.
Marcy was a real-life Rosie the Riveter during World War II, working as a welder in a massive shipyard.
Once she hung up her welding mask and gloves, she became a scholar of Shakespeare in New York City, as one of the very few female doctoral students at Columbia.
To earn her way, she became an Arthur Murray ballroom dancing teacher, bringing home the impressive sum of $2 an hour. It was there in downtown Manhattan she met another dance teacher, Larry Crandell. Their romance began over two 5-cent Cokes at a local drug store. They were married in 1950 and honeymooned in Bermuda.
The arrival of children soon changed Marcy’s plans to become a professor. Loving and nurturing her children was by far the strongest motivation in her life.
However, she never lost her appetite for learning or her ability to respond to difficulty with hard work and creativity. While raising her children, she also managed to lecture in English at UCSB, become a real estate broker, manage a motel in Arizona and write beautiful stories and poems. She also had a passion to see the world, and traveled extensively, often with family, to China, Japan, Europe, the South Pacific, North Africa, and throughout North America.
Her children all followed her example of seeking higher education. Ashley Crandell Amos, the eldest, who died in 1989, was a scholar of Old English as a professor at the University of Toronto as well as editor of the Dictionary of Old English. All of her children were inspired by her love of Shakespearean drama and most of them, as well as several grandchildren, took to the stage in school and college productions.
Survivors include Marcy’s husband, Larry; her children, Larry Jr., Michael and his wife, Sunny, Steven and his wife, Kathleen, and Leslie; her grandchildren, Sarah and her husband Paul Luoma, Megan, Maren, Isaac, Caitlin, David, Luke, Josette and Nathaniel; and her great-grandchildren, Isabel and Olivia.
A Rosary will be held at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., at 7 p.m. Thursday. A mass will be offered, also at the Mission, at 10 a.m. Friday. The public is welcome at both memorial services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ashley Crandell Amos Memorial Fund at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, P.O. Box 3620, Santa Barbara 93130. Any donation check can be made out to the foundation with a designation for the Ashley Crandell Amos Memorial Fund.
Family members remember Marcy as a person whose love never faltered. William Shakespeare, whom Marcy adored, wrote words that sum up her approach to life and her dedication to those closest to her:
… Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand’ring bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Steven Crandell is Marcy Crandell’s youngest son.
» wrote on 08/19/08 @ 04:01 PM
Wonderful woman and a wonderful family. You will be missed Marcy!
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 10:14 AM
A truly remarkable person in the caring, warmth and acceptance she extended to all. She will be missed very much by all of us fortunate to have known her.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 10:46 AM
That is a truly lovely obit and a great tribute from a son to his mother.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 10:59 AM
My prayers are with you all as you think back and rejoice on all the love you shared throughout your lives with this beautiful woman.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 11:02 AM
The world has lost part of its beauty.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 11:02 AM
Great woman, great life, wonderful husband and family, and many contributions - our loss; condolences Larry and “kids” from me and Little Tommy.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 11:26 AM
Santa Barbarans owe Mary a huge debt of gratitude for all that she and her family have given to our community over the years. “By your good works, you shall be known”
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 11:43 AM
Larry, and all the Crandell family,
Peace and comfort to you all. Know that so many of us in this sharing community share your grief today.
R
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 12:20 PM
Larry and his entire family have so generously served our community, and it it clear that their strength and inspiration flowed from this wonderful woman. My heart goes out to her loved ones. Please know that all of Santa Barbara shares in your loss.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 03:05 PM
What a lovely lady, wonderful life and family as well as tribute from her dear son.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 04:33 PM
We always admired Marcy with her calm, gracious way, and knew that she was a very bright lady with lots of depth. Her love for her family always was evident, and she was one classy lady! We shall miss her & our thoughts & love are with the whole family.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 04:41 PM
She has left a legacy that all parents can strive for. With so much attention placed on WHAT we do professionally, Mrs. Crandell chose the most important job in the world, and was C.E.O. of Motherhood.
» wrote on 08/20/08 @ 11:26 PM
What a lovely tribute to an exceptional woman. It seems her passing was peaceful and that is a beautiful thing. Obviously she was lucky to have you for a son. Thank you for sharing in such a difficult time. May your family find healing and peace.
» wrote on 08/21/08 @ 06:35 PM
Leslie-
Our hearts and thoughts go out to you and your family throughout this difficult time.
With love,
Teri
» wrote on 08/22/08 @ 11:40 AM
Larry, Larry Jr., Michael, Steven, and Leslie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Marcy was a wonderful woman and an example to all of us who strive to be good people and good parents. My thoughts are with you all.
» wrote on 08/22/08 @ 05:04 PM
Marcy’s kindness and inspiration became woven into my life through her wonderful children, husband, and grandchildren. What a blessing to know your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Molly
» wrote on 08/25/08 @ 01:55 PM
Steven, Sir
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your father, and family at this difficult time. Clearly, Marcy was a very special, talented, and inspiring lady! Hang in there!
» wrote on 08/28/08 @ 01:41 PM
Leslie - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is always hard to lose a loved one. Let the memories of your Mom keep you strong. Blessings. Sandy
» wrote on 08/30/08 @ 07:39 AM
She was clearly a role model for all--and with such humor. More Shakespeare--I imagine her checking in with him now-- “...May flight of angels sing thee to thy rest...” and bless all those left behind with never ending fairy dust for wonderful times and memories that are her legacy to you all.