Dorothy (Ryan) Crawford age 92 of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at her home in Rochester. Dorothy Ryan was born with an identical twin, Della, on April 27, 1919 at the family farm, in Belle Creek, MN to Daniel "DD" and Emma Ryan. Dorothy attended Belle Creek country school and soon thereafter, she and her sister moved to Rochester and began working. Dorothy held various positions at Waters Conley, the Kahler Hotel, and Mayo Clinic. On June 14, 1942 she married Harold C. Crawford in Rochester. She retired from Mayo Clinic at the age of 72 in 1991.

Dorothy is survived by five children: Dick Crawford of Oregon, Sherrie (Jon) Brooks of Arkansas, Tim (Julie) Crawford of Bemidji, MN, Ann Crawford (Brad) Fitzsimmons of Eden Prairie, MN, and Kitty Crawford Ryan of Rochester. She is survived by her identical twin Della Cutting of Arizona, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a God-daughter: Franciscan Sister LaLonde Ryan of Rochester. She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, and ten siblings.

Dorothy was a passionate sports fan and enthusiast who loved cheering for the MN Vikings and MN Twins.   She was an accomplished baker and cook and was often seen in her garden, where she meticulously grew various vegetables and flowers. Dorothy had a deep faith and was known to always help those who were less fortunate. She was also an extremely sensitive and caring sister for her brothers. Her life's meaning revolved around her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Her closest friend and soul-mate throughout her life was her twin sister Della.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 1:30pm at St. Francis Catholic Church, with father Mark McNea officiating. Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm (with a prayer service at 7:30pm) on Friday, August 5, 2011 at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Memorials are preferred to the Mayo Hospice Program, and the Sisters of St. Francis at Assisi Heights.

Macken Funeral Home of Rochester is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com