Mary Powers Crystal, 100
After over 100 years in this life, Mary Powers Crystal passed peacefully to her reward on July 15, 2015.
Mary Ann was born on The Point, East Grand Forks on 5 March 1915, the eldest of four children born to Tom Powers and Mary “Mollie” O’Leary in a house originally built by her maternal grandfather, John O’Leary. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and lived in the same house until it was lost in the Flood of 1997.
She graduated from Sacred Heart High in 1934 during The Depression. Those hard times during her formative years carried through her life as she was very conscious of the value of money. After High School she was employed at what was then Northern States Power and later at JCPenney.
Joseph V Crystal and she married on 17 Jan 1943 when he was home on leave from the US Army. Together they raised three children: John “Jack” (Eileen), Fort Collins, CO; Robert “Bobby” (deceased), and Mary Jo (Gary Gardner), Thompson, ND.
As her children grew she returned to work first at JCPenney and later at the EGF Water & Light Department from which she retired in 1985.
Her entire life centered on East Grand Forks especially The Point and her Irish relatives. She had an amazing memory for people and places and was a walking genealogy resource long before that hobby became popular. After retirement she became active with the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild serving light meals after funerals: she “cut and served the cake” for over 25 years.
Besides her children she is survived by five grand children: Darren (Michelle) Crystal of Broomfield, CO; Kristina (Brian) McVay, Berkeley, CA; Patricia Crystal, Philadelphia, PA, Matthew Gardner and Mary Gardner, both of Fort Collins, CO; and two great grandchildren, Logan and Madelyn McVay, Berkeley, CA and a brother, Thomas H. Powers, East Grand Forks, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Bobby, brother, J. James Powers, sister, Margaret, and. six half siblings
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to a charity of the giver’s choice
Funeral Service: 10:30 AM ~ Friday, July 24, 2015 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN
Visitation: One Hour Prior to Funeral Service
Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com
Arrangements By: Dahl Funeral Home ~ East Grand Forks, Minnesota
