Obituary: Shirley Jones Crowe, 83, Of Old Greenwich

Courtesy of Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home

Shirley Jones Crowe passed away with grace in the early morning of Friday, May 19 at Greenwich Hospital after a valiant fight. She was born during WWII in London, England on April 27, 1940 to Harold and Doris Jones, who she joins in heaven, along with her youngest sister Julie Foster. In her late 20s, Shirley crossed the pond to the United States, living in California, North Carolina, and New York City before settling in Old Greenwich.

Fondly called Shirl, she was at the heart of popular music entertainment in the 1960s and 70s. Shirley worked for many years at the BBC doing research and working on popular shows such as Easy Beat, Saturday Night Jazz Club, Sounds of the 60s, and later, Entertainment USA. Her various roles gave her the opportunity to work with many acclaimed producers and musicians, including Dusty Springfield, Herman’s Hermits, Cliff Richard, and the Beatles. She also worked for a time at Apple Records. Shirley was later credited on the Beatles Anthology.

Shirley was steadfast in her beliefs and wasn’t afraid to stand out. A bit of a trendsetter, she later launched Shirley Jones & Friends, representing local artists, as well as organizing and promoting a number of causes and events, including the AIDS Memorial Quilt and local Beatles Conventions.

A loyal friend through and through, Shirley was always there when needed and, although somewhat reserved at times, she had a witty sense of humor and a vivacious spirit. Shirley had a deep love for the arts, live music, her vast record collection, film, and theater, and was a long-time member of the drama league. Shirley was an avid traveler until recent times, enjoying voyages on the Queen Mary 2 and QE2 and making many friends along her journeys. She was forever proud of her English heritage, passing on many traditions to her children and was also a member of the Daughters of the British Empire for many years. Her children are grateful that she exposed them to people from all walks of life and cultures from a very young age.

A devoted, loving and proud mother and grandmother, Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Amanda Crowe (Jim Heins) and Suzanne Crowe Gotsch (Tim Gotsch), and six grandchildren whom she adored (Samantha, Caitlyn, Vivian, and James Heins; Felicity and Audrey Gotsch) and will be deeply missed and remembered for her bravery in facing life’s challenges.

Shirley is also survived by her brother Barry (Carol), Nick Foster, and sisters Pam (John) and Susan, eight nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.

A service in celebration of her life will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Riverside, CT at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her honor to Save the Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE).