Tributes

Barbara Crownover, age 79, of Schererville, IN passed away, unexpectedly on November 10th, 2023. Barbara is survived by her children, Tiffini (Wajew) Jamka and Jason (fiancé Tina Glibota) Crownover, grandchildren Jordan (fiancé Stephanie Sknerski) Polito, Ryan (Madison) Polito, Lindsey (bonus grandson, Devin Drlich) Polito, Anthony Jamka and Colin Crownover, her first great-granddaughter, Emersyn Rae Polito, brothers-in-law, Clip and Doug Crownover, sister-in Law, Renee (John) Federenko, Special Aunt Jeanne Triplett, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She will join her husband of 56 years, Charles (CV) Crownover, her son, Chris, parents, Gilbert & Mae Mitchell, brother, Cecil “Corky” Mitchell, her in-law’s, Vernon & Bernice Crownover and many other loved ones, in heaven. Barbara was blessed to have countless friends and family who meant the world to her. Barbara was born in Baltimore, MD and relocated to Northwest Indiana, as a baby, when her father found work in the region. She was a 1962 graduate of Morton High School, where she met CV. They dated throughout high school and married on November 14, 1964. She worked in Chicago, until they started a family, a couple years later. She was a stay at home mom. She helped support her husband’s business, Crownover Builders. She was a Girl Scout leader, for many years. When her children grew older, she began her career as a business owner, with a partnership in Baum’s Natural Foods. A few years later, she opened her own store, Raintree Natural Foods in Highland and then a 2nd location in Schererville. She helped people, always with a smile, for nearly 25 years. After her retirement, she became a breast cancer survivor. She and CV moved in with their daughter in 2018, where they continued to live independently in their in-law apartment. She enjoyed traveling, with her children and her husband. Her adventures included visiting all 50 states, many cruises and trips to 6 continents. She was a Bunco member with the same wonderful group of friends, for over 50 years. Barbara was an amazing cook and she loved to plan meals and share with her beloved family and friends. Last year, she gave her grandchildren Christmas gifts of their favorite meals, made to order, when they were ready for them. She documented her recipes in Cookbooks for the kids, including her famous deviled eggs. She cooked for her daughter and son-in-law, daily, with love, including the day before she passed. She was a talented crafter and her projects and hobbies, over the years, included Ceramics, Miniature’s (many barns and a general store), Scrapbooking and over the last 3 years, she made over 80 Diamond Paintings… many that she shared with family and friends. She loved fiercely, including things… Sunflowers, Leopard print, Rod Stewart! She was able to see him in concert several times, including last year, when she went with her son and his fiancé. Her family is so thankful that she was able to meet and snuggle with her first great-grandchild who was born just over two weeks, before she passed. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Tiffini & Wajew’s house, 916 Brooke Lane, Schererville, Indiana on Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 1-5 pm. Friends and Family are welcome to join for memories, food and many toasts!

Tributes

Barbara Crownover

July 14, 1944 - November 10, 2023