MARTINEZ, Crystal Dawn (nee Willows)
Warrior Princess
July 24, 1978 – November 17, 2021
Our beloved Crystal passed away peacefully, with her characteristic grace and dignity on Nov.17, 2021. Crystal was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB: her mother’s delight and, as the first of her generation in our family, a gift to us all. Even as a little child she was kind, she was respectful and she was her own person, qualities that would underpin every step of her life.
What her grade one teacher mistook for “bossiness” blossomed into her nurturing leadership. Her creativity led to pranks to outrageous to print. Her sense of fun fed a “go big or go home attitude” that made everything a delicious adventure.
Her capacity for love, nurtured with her mom Cathy and her baby sister Lauren and abandoned kittens never stopped growing. It embraced family, friends, co-workers, strangers and strugglers. She found her forever soul mate in her husband Jon, and the most beloved treasures of her life, their beautiful sons Malachi and Preston.
Crystal launched her career at age 18 in the food service industry, quickly rising to management where she excelled, breaking records, moving to Calgary and winning the respect and lasting friendship of staff and ownership alike.
When she met her husband Jon everything clicked: kindness and respect, romance, “go big or go home” attitude, outrageous pranks and bold entrepreneurial spirit. They took the trailer business by storm ultimately opening Trailers 24/7 near Cochrane, AB. Following Jon’s untimely passing five years ago, Crystal not only carried their business to new heights, she maintained a warm, secure and happy family life, full of laughter and a loving village of friends and relatives.
No challenge was too great for Crystal, whether it was her own or someone else’s. Like every warrior nothing shook her self control or composure. She handled any adversity in a calm, practical way, kindly and with respect.
As a mother she was funny and fun, gentle but firm. She had faith in their abilities and in her unworried way always expected their best. “Be kind and be respectful”. This is her legacy.
Crystal is survived by her sons Malachi and Preston, her mother Cathy, father Barry, sisters Lauren and Jasmine, brothers Grant and Bradley, as well as her large and loving extended family and many friends.
Our heartfelt thanks go to her “chosen sister” and life long friend Susan Sinclair Rice, who has been Crystal’s constant support, fierce advocate and twisted side-kick throughout this final difficult journey. Love and thanks go to Katrina Cooey who has worked with Crystal since the beginning of Trailers 24/7 and has kept the business up and running during this difficult time. Thank you to Scott Harvey for filling in wherever and however needed.
Many thanks go to Drs. Stotsky and Kahn, nurse Tracey, Tatiana and all the radiation techs at the Tom Baker Centre.
The funeral will be held at Gleneagles Golf Course, 100 Gleneagles Drive, Cochrane, AB, on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 2:00 PM. Alberta Covid 19 Restrictions Exemption Program applies to all in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Crystal’s name to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
View here the Photo Tribute that played at Crystal’s service.
Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039
Our deepest sympathies to crystals family and friends, during this tough time.
I only met crystal a few times during family functions but she was still family!
Connie (Glaicar) Olm
To Dearest Cathy and family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Crystal and can only imagine the loss and devastation you are all feeling. I can definitely say what a wonderful tribute that was written, on Crystal’s behalf, that clearly exemplifies the light she shone as a daughter, mother, sister, partner and friend to many people in Alberta and Manitoba as well as other parts of the world!
I can still remember you bringing Crystal to King Edward School when she was teeny tiny and you were beaming with proudness then and I am certain that carried on throughout her life and will continue on with her own children. You must be so very proud of the woman she grew into!
My thoughts and warm hugs surround you and your loved ones during this difficult time!
Much Love,
Shannon
Cathy and family,
Your daughter, mother, sister, friend was beautifully honored in this tribute to her life. Crystal was a wonderful mother to her beautiful boys. Heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. With love, Corina
I am forever grateful for the love and kindness that Crystal and her family have always shown to me. She was the first friend I made when I moved to the city and even though time and distance separated us; she was always on my mind. Sincere condolences from my family to hers.
I am so sorry for your loss, Cathy.
Your Ottawa cousin,
Andrea xo