Forty four years ago today on November 4, 1974, Eve Erin Crowell—our daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend and colleague was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
Eve grew into a beautiful, intelligent, athletic, caring, philosophical, sensitive and fun-loving young woman who loved music, children and cats. And, she adored her family and friends.
Her sudden death at the age of 30, devastated us all. It was hard to believe that this bigger than life person had left us so soon. And yet, she was gone.
Somehow or other, her dad Bob Crowell, a retired neurosurgeon and, I, her mom, Barbara Crowell Roy, a nurse and mental health counselor, found the strength to channel our grief into action by creating Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives. We knew that Eve would not want us to mourn long. Her death gave us a new purpose. It inspired us to spend our retirement years continuing to help others, especially underserved populations. Eve had a special place in her heart for Native Americans and people with disabilities and her dad and I wanted to honor that spirit. We knew that is what Eve would have wanted.
Developing Eve’s Fund became a full-time career for us and became Eve’s legacy. At a talk for bereaving parents, another parent said: “when your child dies, you have to become their legacy,” and that idea really spurred us on to work hard for a meaningful cause.
Over the past 13 years, we have succeeded in creating an award winning non-profit organization that sponsors programs in literacy, injury prevention and educational scholarships for Native youth, who live primarily on or near the Navajo Nation. Eve’s Fund has developed a strong community presence and our programs have had a positive impact on over 50,000 Navajo children and teens.
Today, we are remembering Eve on her birthday and sharing some thoughts from those who knew her well. We are also celebrating the lives of the Native kids who have been served by our hope and wellness initiatives. We believe that Eve is smiling down on us and happy knowing that she is still loved and remembered by so many.
These are just a few of the thoughts from some of the people who knew her well and feedback from some of the students impacted by Eve’s Fund.
“Oh my how Eve loved her birthday! Happy, happy birthday up in the sky to our amazing Eve Erin. While on earth, she lit us all up every day, but boy on her birthday, look out! She sparkled and shined and laughed and loved and her heart was wide open. She took in all the love for her and dished it all right back out to her friends and family. I won’t ever forget Eve because of how much fun we had together and what a delight it was to share all the ways in which we were so similar. Afternoon Starbucks was only a start, but those twenty minutes in the middle of the workday were enormously special. Happy Birthday dear Eve! ” Love, Erica
“I loved Eve. I will always love Eve.” Rob P.
“In honor of what would be Eve’s 44th birthday, I want to thank Eve’s Fund for giving me the opportunity to receive the highly competitive Eve’s Fund Scholarship at Navajo Prep. This will allow me to continue my education and reach the goals I have as far as going to college. I will not forget you Eve. I know you wanted to change the world in many ways. Your memory continues through the work that is being done in your name. Even though I never met Eve, I will always remember her and be thankful for the little things in my life. Once again, thank you Eve & Eve’s Fund.” ~Keona Hosteen
“Thinking of Eve and all the good times we had together. Remembering her laugh, her brilliance, the joy of being in her presence. Her red hair and her red truck and her one-in-a-million way of looking at the world. I miss her today, and always.” ~Ariel Levy
“Eve Fund has truly impacted my life. I was able to receive a generous scholarship to cover my tuition to attend Navajo Preparatory School. Thank you for everything your organization does to help individuals like myself reach their goals and dreams.” ~ Nizhoni Tallas, Virginia Tech sophomore
“Eve was so much fun to work with. What a bright and lively spirit she had. The work you have done in her name is such a wonderful tribute to her.” ~ Melissa Yoon
“Beautiful Eve, Your memory is forever in my heart. Your laughter is heard whenever I think of you. Your spirit guides me each day. Know that my love for you and your family is forever.”~ Aunt Carol
“Your family has worked so hard to ensure your name and legacy live on. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing you and loving you can never forget you. I love you and celebrate you!!!!
~ Erin Williams
“ I remember Eve as a beautiful, sophisticated and intelligent young woman who was exceptionally aware of what was going on around her. At this time of hate and division in this country, I hope that Eve can again spread her peace, love and calm over us all. God bless her and everyone who loved her.” ~ Mary Jane LaBelle
“Eve was one of the most vibrant people I have known. She was smart, opinionated and passionate about everything she did. On her birthday, I will remember Eve for her passion, strength and kindness. And I will be grateful for all that Eve’s Fund has done to carry on her legacy. Her life was lost too soon, and she had so much left to do. But while woefully inadequate to replace her, Eve’s Fund is carrying out some of the good she would have done for this world.” ~ Erin Brady
Please, even if you never met Eve, we hope you will read the other kind words and memories that people have left in her Guestbook and add your thoughts as well. You can find it here.
“We’ve tried to celebrate Eve’s short life by doing and being the things we loved most about her.” Warm thanks to all of you for helping us keep Eve’s memory alive.
Happy Birthday Eve! You are loved.
We rely solely on the generosity of individual and corporate donors to carry out our community-based initiatives. Eve’s Fund needs your help to continue our high quality youth programs. We appreciate donations of any amount and are putting every dollar to good use. Please click below to donate by credit or debit card through our convenient, secure donation site. You can designate that a gift be made in someone’s name or memory.
Dalton, MA 01227
