Obituary of Mildred Lynn Crane

Mildred Lynn Crane passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her devoted family, on Monday March 9, 2020. She was 83 years old. Mildred, known lovingly as Millie, was born Mildred Ann Lynn to Edward Daniel and Mildred Margaret Lynn (née Smith) on May 26, 1936 in Binghamton, NY. She was their only child and grew up in Philadelphia, PA and Syracuse, NY where she met her husband of 63 years, Glenn Russell Crane. They were married at Trinity Methodist Church in Philadelphia on August 18, 1956 and moved to Akron, Ohio, where they lived until 1971 before moving to Lewiston, NY. They shared a joyous and committed life and lovingly raised five children for whom they remained a lifelong source of joy and support. Millie briefly attended Penn State University after graduating from high school and later returned to earn her degree in nursing from Niagara County Community College. She worked as an RN at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center from 1985 until she retired in 1995. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, Ohio and the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, NY, singing in the choirs of both and was a contributing member of Presbyterian Women. She also sang with the Lewiston Choraleers and enjoyed quilting with Rip ‘n Stitch Quilters. Millie expressed her love and care for everyone through many organizations dedicated to helping others, including HART, the Lockport Presbyterian Home and P.E.O. Millie was an accomplished seamstress and loved to knit, crochet and do needlework. She filled many homes with beautiful quilts, afghans, sweaters and baby blankets. Always active, she loved to walk the paths around Niagara Falls and bike around the neighborhood with her husband Russ. She and her family spent many summers in the Adirondacks, camping and canoeing at Fish Creek Ponds and enjoying the beach in Nags Head, NC. Above all else, Millie was devoted to her family and friends. She created a welcoming home filled with laughter and warmth where they continue to gather today. Many friends called her “mom”. As with her children, she loved to share in her grandchildren’s activities, traveling many miles to spend special time with each of them. For her, any place where her family gathered was a little slice of heaven. Millie was predeceased by her beloved son, Douglas Crane in 2012. She is survived by her husband, Russ, 4 children/spouses and 9 grandchildren/spouses: Doug’s wife, Rose Crane (Brittany/DJ Avellino); Deborah Schaub/Jeff (Emily and Rachel); David Crane/Amy (Mackenzie and Kyle); Darrell Crane/Marianne (Connor/Maggie and Hanna); and Diane Lucas/Dan (Lindsey and Mitchell). A memorial service to celebrate Mildred’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial offerings be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, 505 Cayuga Street, Lewiston, NY. Arrangements entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. Lewiston, NY