Helen Louise Crawford

Helen Louise Crawford, 73, of Grayling, passed away Saturday, December 15th, 2007 peacefully at the home of her son Bob Shepherd in Traverse City, Surrounded by her loving husband Lloyd and five children. She was born in Grayling, on January 10, 1934, to Harry W. and Edris E. (Pease) Sorenson. She married Lloyd Crawford on July 15, 1960. As well as Lloyd, the joy of her life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed shooting tournament archery with her husband and friends during her many years of employment at the Bear Archery and then moved on to the Crawford AuSable Schools for 10 years, retiring in 1995. She and Lloyd traveled extensively all over the country, including a 1300 mile motorcycle trip around the parameter of Lake Superior. Her love for nature and wildlife continued through the years as she and Lloyd resided on the banks of the AuSable, creating many great family memories while canoeing and kayaking adventures ensued on the AuSable and North Branch. She and Lloyd left miles of worn shoe leather during their daily walking routes together in and around town. Her generous and serving nature was a blessing, as reflected by the numerous family dinners that she love to host. She was highly resourceful, organized and believed in the principles to make it last, wear it out, use it up, and she had an enormous talent for teaching that something amazing could be made out of the simplest ingredients. Her compassion to "root for the underdog" was also exhibited in her daily life. She is survived by her five children; Terry (Penny) Shepherd, Gary Shepherd, and David Shepherd of Grayling, Bob (Gen) Shepherd, Becky (David) Crawford of Traverse City. Also surviving are three siblings; Sandra (Joe) Lowe of Traverse City, James Sorenson of Lovell's, and Nancy (David) Niederer and sister-in-laws Dorothy and Joyce Sorenson of Grayling, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her legacy includes her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Ed (Marge) Sorenson, Don Sorenson, and Lewis Sorenson. No services are planned at this time. A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home of Grayling, Michigan. Condolences may be left at www.sorensonlockwood.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Louise Crawford, please visit our flower store.