Barbara Crandell

Barbara Eddy Crandell passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at Hospice House in Holland, MI surrounded by a loving group of family and friends. She accepted her cancer diagnosis with the same grace and dignity that she displayed throughout her life.

Barb was a vibrant and classy woman, passionate about her friends, family, preserving the environment and making the world a better place for future generations.

She was a patron of the arts and pursued this love throughout her life, sharing it with other like-minded people.

She was always well-informed, and followed politics and other current events in search of the truth. She wanted to know the sources of information so that she could discern for herself what the real truth was.

Barb was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 24, 1924 to Benjamin and Esther Eddy, the second of five daughters.

After marrying John S. Crandell on February 28, 1944 they settled in Oak Park, and finally Birmingham, MI.

Following John’s retirement, they split time between Clearwater, FL and Douglas, MI where she had spent 88 summers with extended family.

She leaves behind her children, John S. Crandell III (Pia) and Joan C. Elsen, sisters Joan Brigham (her lifelong best friend), Joyce Plummer (“a heart of gold”) and sister/cousin Pat Woods (“an angel”).

Also missing her will be her grandchildren Alethea and Matthew Crandell as well as Ann and Seth Elsen.

A memorial service will be held next summer on the sixth of July in Douglas at Beech-Hurst, her family’s homestead.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society to assist in restorations at the Old School House or to support the Eagle Watch Program of the Audubon Society of Florida.

Arrangements by Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com