Marie Louise Crawford

Louise Crawford, born Marie Louise Romero, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2013. She was the matriarch of many by blood and by a warmness of heart that embraced so many more. Through her progeny she has been a major contributor to the educational and medical communities of Lake Charles.

Born January 11, 1918, in Ged, Louisiana, Louise was the oldest child of Henry and Lavenia Polombo Romero. Her father was a strong believer in education; therefore, the family moved to Lake Charles for her to attend St. Charles Academy from which she graduated in 1935. Louise was most proud of having played first chair violin at St. Charles, enjoying a passion for music that she passed along, particularly to her grandchildren.

Through her father she met Lyman Alger Pete Crawford who became her best friend, the love of her life and to whom she married on October 31, 1938. Louise made it clear to Pete before marriage that she intended to have a large family and that she did, with 9 children and their offspring. She and Pete owned and operated Crawford's Gulf Station for 40-plus years. Evenings were spent relaxing with her family, a place referred to as Maw Maw's back porch.

Louise was predeceased by her parents and her husband as well as children Peter Lyman and Theresa Jane. Surviving her are her brother John Henry Romero; daughter-in-law Christine and children David (Beverly), Kevin (Karen), Angie (Andy Schmitt), and Michael (Jennifer); daughter Phyllis (Jim Solari) and children Jane Ann (Danny Lanza), Rick (Jennifer), and Lisa Baggett; daughter Mary (Danny Higdon) and children Brian (Kim), Paul (Susan), and Rhonda (Wade England); son Dr. Patrick (Charmayne) and children Dr. Mark (Caroline), Dr. Craig (Angela), and Sharon (Stuart Weatherford); son Dr. John (Anna) children Jason, Michelle (Brandon Caples), Melissa, Nicholas, and Joshua; daughter Carolyn (Joe Toups) and children Logan (Lindsey), Crawford, and Madeline Louise; son Joseph (Karen) and children Jill (Jeremy Higdon), Jaime, Joey, and John Paul; and daughter Susan Meche and sons Andrew and Matthew. Louise is also survived by 28 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Louise will be sorely missed but her family is most grateful for her time on this earth. The family would like to thank her care givers of many years, Sheila Broussard and Peggy Williams, Dr. Francis X. Bride, Christus St. Patrick Hospital, and Christus St Patrick's Hospice.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 14, 2013, and a rosary thereafter at 12:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be said at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception at 1:30 that day officiated by the Rev. Msgr. Jace Eskind. Pall bearers and honorary pall bearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Immaculate Conception Cathedral School or St. Louis Catholic High School.