Barbara Charlene (Mcdonald) Crawford
October 2, 1939 — April 3, 2017
Barbara Charlene Crawford passed away peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2017 at her home in Mesquite, NV after fighting a courageous battle with Leukemia for the past two months. She never lost her wit or sense of humor and was always upbeat and full of spunk! She was truly a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother as well as a treasured friend to those who knew and loved her.
Barbara was born on October 2, 1939, the youngest child of Ira Everett McDonald of West Virginia and Dorothy Marie Howard of California. She was born and raised in Oakland, California. She had one child, Donald Didriksen. She later retired and followed her son to Mesquite, NV to be closer to the family. Barbara was all about family and had a special relationship with her son; they were two peas in a pod and shared the same sense of humor.
Barbara worked as an Office Manager for the Joint Apprenticeship Committee at Local 104 of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union in San Leandro, CA until her retirement. She loved to cook and entertain family and friends. She was a whiz at crossword puzzles and worked them daily. She also loved to travel and was a voracious reader.
Barbara is survived by her son Donald Didriksen (Sabrina) of Mesquite, NV; her brothers James Bizal of Castro Valley, CA and Tommy Bizal of Oakland, CA; her two grandsons Trevor Didriksen and Kevin Didriksen (Cozette) of Mesquite, NV; her five great grandchildren, McKenna, Zoey, Taylor, Elize, and Zelda. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Dorothy McDonald and her brother Robert McDonald.
Barbara will be dearly missed by her best friend/partner in crime/sister-in-law, Carol McDonald and her niece, Kim McDonald of Mesquite, NV as well as her nephew Robert Dale McDonald of Hayward, CA.
According to Barbara’s wishes, no services will be held. We hope the memories you have with her will continue to make you smile and laugh. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.