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Leona Ruth "Lee" Crane May
<p>Leona Ruth “Lee” CRANE MAY, passed in Bend Oregon, on October 20th, 2022.</p><p><br></p><p>Lee was dearly loved by her family and friends. A native of Oakland California, she was born January 30th, 1939 to Lorna (nee Wood) and Frank Pichotto. She was an only child and was blessed to grow up surrounded by loving parents, grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and much-loved cousins. Lee attended Glenview Elementary, Oakland Jr. High, Oakland High School and Diablo Valley College.</p><p><br></p><p>On August 24th, 1957 she married the late James Michael Crane from Dunsmuir California. Lee and Mike met through her cousin, and Mike’s best friend, the late Noris Wood when they were stationed at Fort Ord.</p><p><br></p><p>Lee was the loving mother of daughter, Kelly and son-in-law, Keith McCray of Sunriver Oregon, and son, Shawn Crane of California. With her husband Mike, they raised their family in Chico California where they were very active in youth sports and service groups. Lee was a very involved parent and made sure her children were always active. Together, they gave their children a beautiful and love-filled childhood. She enjoyed their small family farm where they raised chickens, horses, and pigs for 4H. Her vegetable garden and extensive landscaped property was her pride and joy. They had many fruit and nut trees, as well as beautiful flowering plants and bushes. In 1986 she returned to the family homes in Oakland to help take care of her aging Father. She worked for Alameda County Social Services until her retirement. In 2021 she moved to Bend Oregon to be near her daughter. She passed on a love of sewing, cooking, gardening, and family to her daughter. She was a loving and devoted grandmother to her 3 grandchildren.</p><p><br></p><p>Lee will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and the joy she spread when she connected with family and friends. Lee was a romantic and loved music, especially 50’s and 60’s classics, as well as traditional country. Lee was known for her feisty and spirited opinions on current events. She enjoyed keeping up with the news and trends. We each have our own memory of Lee and it brings a big smile to each of us. Proud of her Paternal Italian heritage and deep roots in America on her Maternal side she loved reminiscing about her childhood and the family she loved so well. She grew up next door to her Maternal Grandparents and they, together with her parents, instilled in her a love of books, gardening and animals, especially dogs and cats.</p><p><br></p><p>She is survived by her children; Kelly (Keith) and Shawn, Grandchildren; Shannon (Brendan) Holsberry of San Francisco California and Natalie (Chris) Lewine and Great Grandchild; Leo Lewine Of New York, her dear Aunt Barbara (nee Blackburn) Pichotto of Oakland California, Brothers-in-law; Fred Koschnick of Mt. Shasta California, Joe Koschnick of Dunsmuir California, Sister-in Law; Jacque Crane of Applegate Oregon, and ‘Cousin-Brother’; Richard Karch of Mendocino and many other dear cousins and friends.</p><p><br></p><p>She was predeceased by her much beloved, ‘Michael’ and Grandson, Joshua Michael Erickson-Crane.</p><p><br></p><p>She had many much loved and spoiled family pets over the years. Her faithful Tabby, the late ‘Giuseppe’ accompanied her to Bend along with her adored ‘Josie the Pussycat’ who survives. Donations and tributes may be made in her memory, to the Humane Society of your choice.</p><p><br></p><p>Lee is home and healed in the loving arms of Jesus!</p><p><br></p><p>She is dancing with her forever sweetheart, Mike and reunited with her much adored family and grandson!</p><p><br></p><p>At her request a family and friends Memorial Picnic will be held Summer of ’23 in California.</p>January 30, 1939 - October 20, 202201/30/193910/20/2022
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Leona Ruth "Lee" Crane May
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