Milpitas &San Jose

Marguerite Crawford Epps passed away in the early morning hours of April 26, at her Lincoln Glen Manor home in San Jose with her husband and son watching over her. She was a native of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

All who knew or worked with Marguerite loved her for her kind and gracious rapport with others. And her legendary courage was greatly admired after a devastating pedestrian accident in 2002.

As a student at American University in Washington, D.C., she met her future husband, Jerry. They were married at the university rectory in 1951. Their 74th anniversary was celebrated with friends in March.

The couple’s honeymoon trip was a bus ride to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where they lived for several school years. A move to Southern California, with their 1-year-old son, came in 1956. While living in Upland and Claremont, Marguerite finished her degree at Cal Poly, Pomona, worked at Honnold library, and established a ballet school—all while taking care of her growing family.

The family transferred to Sunnyvale in 1972 and later moved to Soquel. Following retirement in 1988, they relocated to Milpitas.

Of her many life accomplishments, Marguerite was most proud of her 30 years of volunteer work at Synott and Randall elementary schools in Milpitas. The support and encouragement of teachers and students helped her survive the auto accident and long-term recovery.

Numerous explorations around the world included a landmark journey on an extended African safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience for her.

Marguerite is survived by her husband, sons David (Marilyn) and Brian (Vivian), daughter Cynthia Sartori (Ron), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Amemorial service will be held this month at their Lincoln Glen cottage home.