Lora Chico Crow

Lora Chico Crow, 94, of Weirton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, September 3, 2020. She was born in 1926 in Morgantown, WV, the daughter of Julia and Sam Chico, the third of their 11 children. She graduated from St. Francis High School in Morgantown where she studied alongside her siblings, was the head cheerleader, and made many lifelong friends. She graduated from West Virginia University, “the University,” with a degree in business administration and earned additional credits at the College of Steubenville. While at the university, she met her husband of 34 years, John A. Crow, Sr. (Jack) who died in 1986. He had just returned to college after his service in World War II. They settled in Weirton where they raised four children: John A. Crow, Jr. (Fran) of Weirton, WV; Thomas F. Crow (Mary) of Huntersville, NC; Carol Crow Casto (Tom) of Charleston, WV; and Kevin M. Crow, who died in 1992. She had seven grandchildren: Jack and Leah Crow of Weirton, WV; Madeline Crow of Huntersville, NC; Laura and Anna Casto of Charleston, WV; Molly Casto McCafferty (Ryan) of Columbus, OH; and Tommy Casto of Charlottesville, VA. She had a new great-grandson, Jack McCafferty, whom she was only able to meet through Facetime. Lora was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was so proud to be a Chico and a Crow. Even though she lived most of her life in Weirton, she always thought of Morgantown as “going home.” She loved her brothers and sisters and all of her Chico and Crow nieces and nephews. She often thought about her childhood on McLane Avenue, her dog Rover, the Dairy, and growing up in Seneca. She relished looking at photos of family gatherings on Riverview Drive and State Street. She was happiest in the company of her family. She was a devout Catholic and the proud recipient of Catholic school education. She stayed close to her church and true to her faith. She always reminded us to “Go with God,” as we said our goodbyes, waving and making the sign of the cross. Her faith was an infinite source of strength to her. She was active in the community and a proud member of the Weirton Women’s Club, especially the Art Department. She was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association from the time she was a young mom. She served Hancock County as a member of the Park Board. She worked closely with the Mary H. Weir Public Library where she spearheaded children's programs for many years. She loved all of God’s creations. A vet once told her he wanted to come back as her pet. She grew beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Her vegetable garden and berry patch were tended with love and she was extraordinarily generous in sharing their bounty. She was gifted in many ways and a lifelong learner. She could “make” anything. She enjoyed everything from sewing to woodwork, flower arranging, and canning, art and music, reading and writing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an exceptional baker of pastries, cakes, and bread, and an excellent and accomplished cook. She was a gracious hostess who welcomed friends and family into her home with ease and generosity. There was always enough food and room for another seat at her table. Friends and family are welcome to attend the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian burial on Monday, September 7, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. Private burial will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mary H. Weir Public Library or the Aaron Davies Foundation. Her family wants to extend special thanks to Drs. John and Cherian, John Greco of Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, and Rhonda and Geno Quattrocchi and the other good folks of Serra Manor who loved and cared for her like she was theirs. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304-748-3219.