Elizabeth May Brown was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia during the Great Depression. She lived with her parents and two brothers in a small house situated next to railroad tracks. Her nickname was “skinny Lizzy.” She was exceptionally gifted academically. She sang and played both the piano and guitar. In 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, George Crumb, and they spent their lives together travelling the world while raising three children.
Liz was known as the “smiling woman.” Sociable, charismatic, and extremely extraverted, she would light up the room as she entered. She was kind and caring to all, and she “adopted” a number of lost souls over the years who looked upon her as a surrogate mother. She treated everyone with respect, regardless of race, class, or level of education. She loved animals and helped raise many generations of dogs, and one cat named Steve who she adored. She was a marvelous cook and homemaker.
Liz was much sought after as a piano teacher, teaching several generations of youngsters. In the 1970’s she was one of the founding members of the Delaware County Youth Orchestra, an organization that continues to train talented young musicians to this day. For decades she served as DCYO’s personnel manager.
Elizabeth passed away on May 19, 2022. She is survived by her two sons David and Peter, and her brother Ray. She was predeceased by her daughter Ann, her husband George, and her brother Robert. May she rest in peace.
