Dorothy Loretta Edwards Crum, 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Dorothy was born in New Haven on May 25, 1929, to Hiram Sanborn Edwards and Ruth Pitcher Edwards. Her stepfather, Henry MacKenzie, became an important part of her life. Dorothy’s life was marked by her unwavering integrity, kindness, and an enduring commitment to her loved ones.
Dorothy’s early years were spent in New Haven with summers on the family farm in Bridgewater, Connecticut. She graduated from Hillhouse High School and was a member of Montowese Baptist Church. On September 9, 1949, Dorothy married her husband of 59 years, Sam Crum. Building their life together, they moved to Durham, making their home and raising their family. They enjoyed their life in Durham for many years before retiring to Hendersonville, North Carolina. Dorothy later relocated to Jonesborough, Tennessee to be near family after her husband’s illness, remaining there until her health declined and she wished to return to her roots in Connecticut.
Dorothy enjoyed her family and always made their home a nurturing environment. She took great pleasure in family outings and activities, travel, antiquing, music, reading, and volunteering.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Sam, her parents, and siblings Frank and Robert Edwards. She is survived by her children: Samuel Crum, Jr. (Pamela) of Higganum, and Debra Crum Leonard (Kenneth) of Johnson City, Tennessee; grandsons Breckenridge Carter Crum (Nara) of Galveston, Texas and Morgan Russell Crum of Middletown; and great-grandsons Kellen Russell Crum and Greyson Carter Crum.
Dorothy made new friends at Masonicare in Wallingford, especially her roommate at Ramage 2, the late Anna Funaro. A heartfelt thank you to Anna and her loving family, Bill Funaro and Anna Scaramozza, for their many kindnesses to Dorothy and her family.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to all at Masonicare for their compassionate care of Dorothy. We also thank Hospice for making Dorothy’s last days comfortable and peaceful. They are the Angels Among Us.
No services are planned at this time. A private graveside service will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.
