RARE 1960 Magician Illusionist CRAWFORD AND GLORIA PLAYING CARDS WILKES-BARRE,PA

Magician Illusionist CRAWFORD AND GLORIA PLAYING CARDS In a blue and clear plastic box

January 1, 2011

Gloria Pinola Crawford, of Dallas, passed away Saturday, January 1, 2011, following a brief stay at the Meadows Center, Dallas.

Born June 28, 1925, in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of the late Judge Frank L. and Helen Grace Nicholson Pinola.

Living her early years in Kingston, Gloria graduated from Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School. She went on to become an alumna of Cornell University, where she majored in Sociology.

In 1949, Gloria married Harry Howell Crawford, an active member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. When Harry was called to active duty in the Korean War, Gloria and their daughter, Carol, accompanied him to Bainbridge Naval Training Station, Md., where he was permanent O.D.

After the war, the family returned to make their home in the Back Mountain.

Gloria came to share her husband’s lifelong interest in magic. Together they created a successful magic act, performing professionally as stage illusionists for more than 25 years.

Known on stage as Crawford and Gloria, they performed on the East Coast from Boston, Mass., to Miami, Fla., including highlights such as the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C.

Gloria was one of the first women in magic to share in the design and performance of her own illusions. She and her husband were honored by various national and international magic societies.

Gloria was very proud to be an active life member of the Harry Crawford Society of American Magicians, Assembly 160, and a longtime member of Magic Gals International.

Gloria’s service to organizations also included many years in support of King’s College, continuing the work of her father, Judge Pinola, who helped secure the charter for the college; the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre, becoming an emeritus member; the Wyoming Seminary Alumni Association; and service on the Board of Luzerne County Girl Scouts.

She was a member of Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas.

Gloria was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her husband of 58 years, Harry, and brother, Frank L. Pinola Jr.

Surviving are her daughter Dr. Carol G. Crawford, Dallas; sister-in-law Beverly Sellers, Harrisburg; various cousins and numerous friends.

Gloria was a true joy to all who met her. She will be remembered fondly for her always smiling disposition, her warmth and caring for others, and for her selfless generosity.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from the Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at her parish, Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and again Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Harry Crawford Society of American Magicians, Assembly 160, will conduct the Ceremony of the Magician’s Broken Wand 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.