Maribeth Crawford (née Grilli), a shining light with a gift for making lifelong friends wherever she went, passed away peacefully on April 27 at the age of 80.
Born on August 22, 1944, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Chester and Shirley Grilli, Maribeth was raised on Chicago’s west side — a time and place she fondly remembered through cherished stories of childhood adventures, loving parents and enduring friendships. After graduating high school, she began her career at Motorola, and in time, built a family and a life full of love and connection.
Maribeth was married to Cliff Crawford for 40 years; a chapter of her life filled with the joy of raising their three daughters. Her love grew as she welcomed her sons-in-law and grandchildren into her heart. She doted on her many nieces and nephews and was fondly known as everyone’s favorite aunt.
A true people person, Maribeth radiated warmth and generosity. She worked for over three decades in admissions at Delnor Hospital, where she made every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for — as if they were family. Her compassion and empathy were instinctive, and she touched countless lives through her work, friendships, and unwavering faith.
Her homes in Westchester and St. Charles became hubs of celebration, laughter, and love. Whether it was a holiday gathering , a summer pool party, a themed mystery dinner, or a church event, Maribeth found joy in bringing people together and making every moment special. She had a delightfully silly sense of humor that could turn even the most ordinary moment into something fun and memorable. Her faith was a guiding light, and she worshipped regularly, always the first to offer a prayer for someone in need.
Maribeth is survived by her daughters Marianne (Tim) Logsdon, Jennifer (Dan) Block, and Kathryn (Matt) Gabrielson; her beloved grandchildren Robert, Alyssa, and Nolan; a sister Patricia, cousins and many nieces, nephews and godchildren. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, joyful celebrations, deep compassion, and her incredible ability to turn neighbors into friends — and friends into family.
A service celebrating Maribeth’s life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a service at 7:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her honor to NephCure, c/o Gardner, Pierce and Associates, P.C. – Accounting Department 5 Center Avenue, Suite D, Collegeville, PA 19426 or http://www.nephcure.org
Her favorite saying was, “You’re in my prayers.” And truly, she meant it — every single time.