Beloved mother and grandmother, teacher, traveler, animal-lover

Jacqueline “Jackie” Crowl, a longtime Claremont resident, died on December 29, 2012 after a 2-year battle with cancer. She was 60.

Ms. Crowl was born in Buffalo, New York to Jack Dicus and Jacqueline Berthon-Payon and spent her early childhood living in France. She returned to the United States and graduated from Fontana High School. She then obtained a teaching credential and a master’s degree in education.

Ms. Crowl was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, who truly enjoyed her work and touched the lives of hundreds of students. She taught kindergarten for more than 25 years before retiring in 2007 from the Cucamonga School District. Ms. Crowl lived in Claremont for 35 years.

In her spare time, Ms. Crowl dedicated herself to rescuing stray dogs and cats and to running a part-time pet-sitting business. She was also an avid country and western dancer and loved to travel—she prided herself on taking both of her children on numerous adventures and vacations.

Ms. Crowl loved cruises and also returned several times to France, visiting her mother’s family and making use of her fluent French. Her favorite destination in the United States was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She also traveled a number of times to Kanab, Utah, volunteering at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Ms. Crowl’s greatest passion was her family. Once she retired, she was able to enjoy caring for her 2 grandsons, who were her light and source of strength, according to family.

She is survived by her daughters, Joelle Green of Chino and Chyna Crowl of Claremont; by her 2 grandsons, Wyatt and Stetson Green of Chino, and by a handful of dear friends who stayed by her side throughout her courageous battle.

A memorial service for Ms. Crowl will be held on Wednesday, January 23 at 5 p.m. at Claremont United Church of Christ, located at 233 W. Harrison Ave. in Claremont. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.