Sharon Ellen Marlow Crane

Baptized into the hope of Christ’s Resurrection, Sharon Ellen Marlow Crane, 76, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019, in Aurora, Colorado, surrounded by loving family after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness.

Sharon was born in New York on February 1, 1943, to Edward Marlow and Laura Finegan Marlow. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Anne Crane, and a son, Timothy Randall Crane. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Thomas Joseph Crane, Jr.; her loving children, Laura Crane Lenz, Matthew Thomas Crane, Thomas Joseph Crane III, Steven David Crane, Cynthia Rae Crane and spouses; several nieces and nephews; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her dear brothers and sisters, Edward Marlow of New Milford, New Jersey, Jeffrey Marlow of Davie, Florida, Patricia Marlow Hazlehurst of Weston, Florida, and Mary Marlow Gallinaro of Pembroke Pines, FL.

A faithful Catholic, who was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sharon led a life of service and love for others. She began working at JP Morgan at age 16 and worked through college at St. John's University and afterwards. She earned her bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and was always eager to learn, pursuing several certificates over the course of her life in real estate and paralegal studies. When her two brothers were drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War, Sharon entered the US Air Force and served as an officer for two years until her marriage to Thomas Crane.

Sharon and Tom began a new career together after the Air Force, first with an aircraft company and then with their own company in Southern California, until deciding to leave California for the East Coast. They stopped in Colorado along the way and loved it so much that they never left.

Sharon and Tom raised their children, and Sharon was enormously proud of their achievements, encouraging and guiding them along the way. She always made time to talk or just be with any of her children or grandchildren. She especially loved playing games, doing puzzles, hearing about their latest pursuits, and reading with them. Holidays were a favorite time of year and she loved decorating the house and celebrating with children and grandchildren who would come from both near and far, including from California, Oregon, Minnesota, and Virginia.

Sharon served her Aurora-area community for many years in many ways. She and Tom served at Queen of Peace Catholic Church and within the Archdiocese of Denver for many years. She acted as ombudsman for the Denver Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, working, and advocating for senior citizens in nursing homes. She loved reading and was a member of the Aurora Public Library Board of Directors, including as Chairperson for three years. She was devoted to the continuation of libraries as both technology and budget cuts threatened their continued existence.

Sharon will be laid to rest at Saint Simeon Cemetery in Aurora, Colorado alongside her daughter, Patty. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at Horan and McConaty, 11150 Dartmouth Avenue, Denver, Colorado, 80014. Recitation of the Rosary to be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at Horan & McConaty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 13120 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora, CO 80017. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donating in memory of Sharon to Saint Simeon Cemetery, 22001 East Highway 30, Aurora, Colorado, 80018.

 

Visitation: June 6, 2019 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - SE Denver/Aurora
11150 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014

Mass of Christian Burial: June 7, 2019 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Queen of Peace Catholic Church
13120 E. Kentucky Avenue
Aurora , CO 80012