Elia M. Crawford, 87, of Charlottesville, went to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon, November 19, 2011. She passed peacefully in her own home with her loving caregiver, Mary (her angel on Earth), by her side.

Mom was born on October 29, 1924, in Florence, Italy, the daughter of the late Ernesto and Teresa Magherini, and was the wife of the late Walter Crawford, whom she was married to for 63 years.

In addition, she was preceded in death by an infant brother, and one sister, Lina Bencini.

Mom was able to remain home all these years, cared for by the loving team effort of her children, Gloria, Mike and Felix, along with George and Lisa, and her most helpful caregivers.

Mom was known as Lianna by many friends and family. She was a very loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mom met Dad during World War II in Italy and became a war bride. She came to America to live with his parents until his safe return.

She was a housewife, but also worked in the Albemarle High School Cafeteria and helped Dad in numerous restaurants, a swimming lake, carrying mail, and the Ridge Drive-In Theater.

Mom attended Church of Incarnation for many years until her illness. She enjoyed camping and traveling with family. She also enjoyed knitting, gardening, and canning fruits and vegetables. She was a superb cook and no one could match her Italian spaghetti sauce or pickled peaches.

She is survived by her daughter, Gloria Wood and her husband, George; son, Michael and wife Lisa; son, Felix (all of Charlottesville); one sister, Corradina Tironi and husband Edoardo of Barboursville; three grandchildren, Steven Gregory Wood, Angela Wills and husband Shawn, and Jessica Crawford; one great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn; and several nieces and nephews.

Kaitlyn would always make Mom smile, even up to a few weeks ago. Mom expressed her love for Kaitlyn since she was 8 weeks old.

The family wishes to thank Legacy Hospice team members, Linnea, Michelle, Elizabeth, Bev, Dr. Evans, and Astrid for their compassionate care and family support. We thank Dr. Jeffrey Davis for many years of caring for Mom. The family also would like to express its deep appreciation for the loving care from caregivers, Mary, Vicki, and Sue; as well as her hair stylist, Cindy. Our sincere thank you also goes to past caregivers, Hospice of the Piedmont, Sherri and Lula, along with the North Garden First Response Team for their services.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Elia's name to Legacy Hospice, 675-180 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22911; or to Mount Olivet Methodist Church, C/O Wayne Walker, 1560 Running Deer Drive, Keswick, VA 22947.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 am. Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at Holly Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Derek Koolman. The family will receive friends at Teague Funeral Service, Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 6-7 pm.