Elisabeth Crowley

Elisabeth Fuchs Crowley, 86, of Cumberland Center, Maine, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026.

Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1939 to Alfred and Anna Fuchs, Elisabeth lived a life defined by faith, education, service, family, and a deep commitment to her community.

In 1959, she married Henry Crowley. The young couple eventually settled in Delray Beach, Florida before embarking on a new adventure in 1973. Along with their five children, one dog, one gerbil, and a palmetto bug that apparently refused to be left behind, they moved to Mercer, Maine, where they built a life and home that would become known simply as “the Farm.”

Growing up in an era when higher education was often out of reach for many young women, Elisabeth initially attended secretarial school and worked for FMC Corporation. Yet she never abandoned her dream of earning a college degree. As an adult learner, she enrolled at the University of Maine at Farmington and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, proving that it is never too late to pursue one's goals.

Her passion for education soon expanded into public service. Elisabeth was elected to represent Mercer on the MSAD #54 Board of Directors, where she served for fourteen years. During that time, she became Chair of the Board for four years and later served as President of the Maine State School Boards Association. She was a tireless advocate for students, families, and public education. At the same time, she served as her husband's secretary, office manager, confidante, and indispensable right-hand woman in his law practice in Madison.

Faith was another cornerstone of Elisabeth's life. A devoted member of the Catholic Church, she became one of only three women lectors in her parish. During her years at St. Sebastian Parish, she served as CCD Coordinator and established the parish's RCIA program, helping many individuals grow in their faith. Encouraged by a nun who recognized her gifts for ministry, Elisabeth entered the LIMEX program in 1994 and earned a Master's Degree in Pastoral Associates from Loyola University.

After fifty years at the Farm in Mercer, Elisabeth moved to Cumberland Crossing in Cumberland Center. True to form, she quickly became involved in her new community, serving as Vice Chair of the Cumberland Crossing Community Association Board. She enjoyed playing Mah-Jong and cribbage, attending events in Portland, and making new friends wherever she went.

Elisabeth will be remembered for many things, but perhaps most of all for the warmth of her home and the generosity of her table. She was a wonderful cook whose children frequently arrived with friends in tow, knowing there would always be room for one more. She never hesitated to add a few extra portions to dinner and welcomed everyone as family. Her soups were legendary, often created from whatever remained in the refrigerator. When asked what should be done with the leftovers, her answer was always the same: “Keep them, I'll use them in a soup.” Her homemade breads, especially her cinnamon raisin bread, were family favorites.

Sunday dinners around her table, followed by spirited games of "Oh Hell," created memories that will be cherished for generations.

Elisabeth's life was one of perseverance, faith, service, hospitality, and love. She believed in lifelong learning, gave generously of her time and talents, and opened her heart and home to countless people throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in her family, her community, and all those whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Henry (Hank) Crowley and his wife, Gina Crowley; Michael Crowley and his wife, Ashlee Adams; Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Crowley and her husband, Dr. Patrick Flynn; and Eileen Crowley; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her sister, Anna Fuery and her husband Patrick Fuery; her brother, James Fuchs and his wife Kathy Fuchs; her sister-in-law Pam Fuchs; her daughter-in-law, Susan Crowley as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Crowley; her son, Lt. Col. Robert Crowley; her parents, Alfred and Anna Fuchs; and her brother, Alfred "Al" Fuchs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Parish of The Holy Eucharist 266 Foreside Road Falmouth, Maine on July 11th, 2026 at 11am. A graveside service will be held on July 12th, 2026 at St. Sebastian Cemetery in Madison, Maine.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to The Elisabeth M. Crowley Fund for Climate Science and Discovery sent to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, Maine 04469-5792 or be given online at umainefoundation.org/crowley

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Elisabeth. and enriched her life through friendship, faith, and community.

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