Whitefish Bay, WI – Anne Crowley (nee Gallagher) Entered the fullness of Eternal Life on November 20, 2024, at the age of 89. Beloved wife for over 67 years of William “Bill” Crowley. Loving mother of Catherine “Kiki” (Joe) Schweitz, Maureen “Mo” (David) Burke, Michael (Tammi) Crowley, and the late Kevin (Lynne) Crowley. Proud grandmother “Boppi” of Cayla (Phil) Callahan, Emily Schweitz, Maura Schweitz, Margaret (Matt) Zingale, Molly Peck, Charlie (Lauren) Peck; and great-grandmother “Boppi” of Maeve and William Peck, and Murphy and Kate Callahan. Cherished sister of the late Mary Katherine “Kay” Gallagher. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
On April 26, 1935, Bill and Virginia Gallagher welcomed their first daughter, Anne (with an “E,” thank you very much), in Iowa City, Iowa. From her earliest days, Anne’s quick wit and strong will were evident—a prelude to the woman she would become. With her parents and sister, Kay, she eventually settled in Rock Island, Illinois, where she began her lifelong faith journey at Sacred Heart Church. Educated at the Villa de Chantal under the watchful and no-nonsense eyes of the Sisters of the Visitation, Anne mastered the art of patience—a skill that would later come in handy raising four children (and tolerating their father and his challenging schedule).
After high school, Anne attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, where she made lifelong friends and met the love of her life, Bill Crowley—a handsome St. Ambrose student whose charm she could only resist for so long. They married in June 1957, just weeks after Anne graduated. Their early years as newlyweds included a stint in DeWitt, Iowa, where Bill taught and coached, and Anne offered sideline commentary, dispensing sage advice to the cheerleaders on matters such as dating and decorum. It was also where they welcomed their first child, Kevin, conveniently born on Anne’s birthday—thus ensuring she’d never have a birthday cake to herself again.
The growing family soon moved to Iowa City, a place Anne absolutely adored, and it was there that Kiki joined the team. In 1959, a job opportunity brought them to Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, where they put down roots and expanded their family with Maureen and Michael. Over the next 65 years, St. Monica’s Church and Dominican High School would be the axis on which the family turned. Anne supported Bill’s coaching career, taking on the role of head scorer for Dominican girls’ basketball—though let’s be honest, her real job was making sure the refs got it right. She would eventually join Bill at Dominican full time in the library, for over a decade, where she would impact the lives of so many young people…and ignore a few overdue book fines.
Anne wasn’t just a mom—she was Mom to everyone. Whether it was sewing costumes for school plays, baking something amazing, or offering a knowing look that could stop a teenager in their tracks, Anne had a knack for making everyone feel seen and loved. And if you were lucky enough to receive one of her handmade Christmas stockings, you were practically royalty.
When she wasn’t wrangling her own children or their friends, Anne poured her heart into helping others. Her work with the Christ Child Society, St. Francis Children’s Achievement Center, Guadalupe Clinic, and St. Ben’s Meal Program reflected her deep faith and her commitment to championing the underdog. This compassion was first nurtured in her care for her sister, Kay, who had cerebral palsy. Anne devoted herself to Kay’s care long after their parents had passed—a testament to her boundless love and dedication.
Anne was also the original DIY queen. Her knitting needles and sewing machine worked overtime, creating everything from lovingly crafted baby blankets to elaborate costumes. She could make a meal out of nothing and still have everyone raving about it. Her sense of humor, sharp tongue (used sparingly but effectively), and world-famous smile could light up any room—or silence it, if the occasion called for it.
Though Alzheimer’s eventually stole some of Anne’s memories, it never touched her ability to make others laugh or the sassy twinkle in her eye. To quote Anne herself, “She was something else!”
Anne leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and love—as well as a few dozen handmade Christmas stockings, countless laughs, and the occasional “look” that her children will never forget. Rest in peace, Boppi. Heaven just got a little sassier.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heartis Village North Shore for all the loving care given to Anne and their family.
Family will greet friends on Thursday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at St. Monica Catholic Church, 5681 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. Eulogies will take place prior to Mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00PM. Reception will immediately follow. Private interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Davenport, IA.
Memorials in Anne’s name may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, 7519 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53219, https://ucp.org/ways-to-donate/ or to the Bill Crowley Scholarship Fund, c/o Dominican High School, 120 East Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217, https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/S-3cRg
