A Fearful Thing

 Tis a fearful thing to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing to love, to hope, to dream, to be…

And oh, to be alone to lose.

 A thing for fools, this, but a holy thing… a holy thing to love.

For your life has lived in me.

Your laugh once lifted me.

And your word was a gift to me.

To remember these things is a painful joy.

 Tis a human thing, love.

A holy thing,

To love what death has now touched.

  
Yahuda Halevi (Jewish poet of 12^th century)

 
Nancy Louise Morris Crowe
June 16, 1954 - January 18, 2021


Nancy Louise Morris Crowe, resident of Orinda CA, passed away on January 18, 2021 after a courageous and difficult battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Her husband, daughter and sister were by her side. She is dearly missed.

Nancy was born on June 16, 1954 in Manhattan Kansas to her parents, Joyce and Sumner Morris. Her family relocated to Davis California where she grew up and graduated from Davis Senior High School in 1972. She attended college, initially at Whitworth in Spokane Washington, and subsequently at UC Davis, where she graduated with a double major in Studio Art and Sociology in 1977. Nancy worked as a graphic designer for multiple companies throughout her career. Her last role was that of Senior Graphic Designer at Annie's Homegrown in Berkeley California. Nancy's passion for art and perfection would bring products to life, whether it be through the design of a bunny or a certain thief known for traveling the world. Nancy met her future husband, psychologist Donald Crowe on a blind date in 1989. They lived on a sailboat for the first 8 years of their lives together before settling into their home in Orinda, California. It was there that they welcomed their beloved daughter, Rose Marie Crowe in 2002.

Nancy was not only a talented artist, but she also loved music. She played the guitar and sang in a beautiful mezzo soprano range of voice. She brought people together through song, whether it be at a campfire at Kirkwood Lake, or with her Monday night music group. Nancy loved her friends and family enthusiastically, and used her talents to celebrate those she loved. She refused to criticize others and instead, readily found the best in everyone. It was her way of making a good life, one admired by many people.

Nancy is survived by her husband and daughter, Don and Rose Marie Crowe, and her sister, Susan Morris.
Due to pandemic restrictions, a celebration of Nancy's life will be held at a later date. If you would like to donate in her name, please consider the following charities: Glioblastoma Foundation or the National Young Arts Foundation.