Kristin Z Crowley

Kristin Z Crowley (nee Zech), 54, of Terrace Park, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home on May 24, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

Kristin is survived by her husband, Shawn; sons, Peter and Patrick; parents, Randall and Karen Zech; sister, Susan Zech; father-in-law, Dan Crowley; brother in-law, Ryan Crowley (Melissa); nephew Finn Crowley; sister-in-law Janel Crowley; and her beloved yellow lab, Zami. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Diana Crowley and her devoted black lab, Reilly.

Kristin and Shawn met playing flag football on a muddy field in 1996 and married in 1998. Their marriage epitomized mutual respect, support, and love through all of life’s challenges and triumphs. Though neither were Cincinnati natives, they built a life together with meaningful involvement in the community, fellowship with neighbors, countless important relationships, and a home that became a touchstone of love, support and conviviality for family and friends. There was also hockey. While Shawn served as a beloved coach and mentor, Kristin was the maker of playlists, finder of equipment, and most importantly, the one cheering the loudest for her boys and their teammates. As the team manager she was tireless yet stealth in making everything happen for the season which is why she was affectionately nicknamed “MOTY” for Manager of the Year.

She excelled at everything she did. She earned distinct recognition in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry before turning her focus to the most important endeavor of her life—raising her two boys. Among her countless achievements, knowing the extraordinary young men that Peter and Patrick have become was most important to her. Even though Zami was her favorite child, the boys will be the hallmark of her enduring legacy.

A graduate of Miami University, she was active as a student in leading prospective student visits to campus, sharing insights to help them understand the virtues of Miami University. Years after graduating she was selected to participate in a longitudinal study for the Successful Graduate Program to help guide improvements in the undergraduate curriculum. Unknown to many, while she was a student, she persuaded the owners of the iconic Bagel and Deli in Oxford to name a sandwich “20/20” for the MUSF Memorial 20/20 Bike Race, an important fundraising event for which she was raising awareness. That item remains on the menu to this day. Many of the friendships she developed while a student became important life-long relationships.

Kristin’s outlook was shaped by experiencing life in Toronto, Edmonton, Cleveland, Dayton, New York City, Eastchester (NY) and Cincinnati. At every new location Kristin made her presence felt.

As President of the Association of Volunteers, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (2018 - 2021), and board member of the Convalescent Hospital Fund for Children at CCMC, she was dedicated to raising funds and awareness for children and families living with chronic medical conditions. She led the successful annual fundraising event, Design Cincinnati.

Her contributions to St. Xavier High School included Career Connexions where she focused on student development of interview skills and resume preparation to assist young men in putting their best selves forward. She was also active in Mothers’ Club and a multitude of activities and fundraising initiatives in support of the school’s mission.

For the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Kristin was a hands-on volunteer for the group’s annual Hats Off Luncheon and a member of the Women’s Committee, helping with event logistics and anything that would advance the cause.

With the Terrace Park Emergency Services, she earned certification and volunteered her time as an Emergency Medical Technician where she was on call to assist neighbors at their greatest time of need. Her signature gift for high school graduates was practical yet loving – a fully loaded first aid kit.

As a passionate advocate for helping others, she was a gifted fundraiser and community advocate who found innovative ways to raise money and awareness for important causes. While she was generous with her own time, she was also constantly recruiting others to participate in an array of opportunities for service.

She lived with fearlessness and exuberance. Whether swinging from a rope high atop a cliff and dropping into Candlewood Lake, hiking in Banff, sleeping under the stars at the Grand Canyon, voyaging to the vortices in Sedona, attempting to speak Italian in Chianti, or rappelling down a sheer rock wall in Acadia, her spirit shined through.

She was kind, witty, and quick with her warm smile. She lived in faith. Among her innumerable virtues, she was perhaps most beloved for always showing up. Whether it was bringing her light and energy (and possibly a bottle of Rosé with a charcuterie board) to a social gathering or her wisdom, perspective and sense of calm to life’s greatest challenges, she was there--- unflinching, without judgement, and always with an open heart.

She managed a devastating diagnosis just as she lived her entire life—with grace, humility, humor, and courage. Her mantra, “All love, no fear” reflects how she lived in this world and how she left it. That’s a gift that will endure for us all.

A memorial service celebrating the impactful life of Kristin Crowley will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 10:00 am on The Village Green in Terrace Park, Ohio. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers or food gifts, the family requests a donation instead in support of Convalescent Hospital of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which was a cause Kristin cared so deeply about. A customized page is available at: designcincy.org.