Alison Dovel Crews, 93, died on Saturday Jan. 27, 2018. Born in New Jersey Feb. 10, 1924, she was the daughter of Margaret Paul Dovel and John Adam Dovel, and was predeceased by her husband Louis MacFarland Crews, M.D., as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Millie Dovel of Vienna.
Alison spent formative and teen years in New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Panama. Her varied professional life began with a nursing degree from the University of Virginia. For several years she worked in that capacity, then returned to school to earn a B.S. in physics from the University of Cincinnati. Subsequently she married and moved to Northern Virginia where she became a computer programmer/analyst for several companies in McLean. Later her attention turned to real estate development. She entered into partnership with her neighbor to oversee development of a portion of her land.
The Great Falls community has appreciated Alison’s active participation. As a Master Gardener she helped residents address their very specific tree problems. Her work interfaced with the local library and with the Virginia Cooperative Extension program. She embraced the ventures of the Great Falls Historical Society because local history was a particular delight. In recent years Alison served as President and devoted considerable energy to the Home and Community Club, the oldest continuously active organization in Great Falls.
Throughout life Alison harbored an endless thirst for knowledge making her a voracious reader and an informed traveler. Biking and swimming supported her zest for discovery. Her profound intellect lived in tandem with a strong spirit of growth and survival. When a close friend or family member faced adversity, her presence and wisdom became the trusted port in a storm, the voice of reason in a torrential world. As a talented listener, being nonjudgmental and welcoming were her greatest assets.
With personal depth and quiet dignity Alison naturally strengthened the lives of those she loved. She kept a sense of humor as well. Ironically she was called “Stupe,” a nickname from childhood. As the family grew she became “Aunt Stupe,” a name affectionately adopted by the next generation of family and their friends. Her kitchen holds a tiny sign which says “Aunt Stupe you continue to amaze us.”
Alison is survived by her sister Paula Dovel Fuller and husband Bob, one niece and five nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of heartfelt friends. A visitation to honor Alison’s life is planned for Feb. 10, 2018, 2-4 p.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Great Falls Firefighters Fund, 9916 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066.