Jean Crandal

Albuquerque has lost a true “Grand Dame” of the theater. Jean Cletsoway Crandal spent most of her life entertaining and delighting Albuquerque audiences with her formidable talents. Possessing a lovely dramatic soprano voice, she sang with the Civic Symphony, Opera, in musicals of all types. When the singing voice started to go, she continued to act, creating many memorable character and straight roles with all aspects of local theater – especially her true love – the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association. One of the four founders of ACLOA, she performed more than 75 roles, and served as Drama Coach and Dialect Coach for many years. Affectionately known as “Mama Jean” she guided, inspired, and coached countless young people to attain their full potential in the theater. Born in Arizona, her family moved to New Mexico when she was nine months old. Educated in the Albuquerque school system, she attended UNM where she was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. She spent nearly nine years studying and performing opera in Hollywood, New York, and Europe, returning to Albuquerque when WWII broke out. During 32 years as a civil service employee with the US Air Force, she spent 2 ½ years in Germany, where in addition to her regular job, she toured with the Special Services Entertainment Section throughout Germany and France. She retired as a Budget Analyst from Kirtland AFB in 1983. She never had any regrets about giving up a “professional” career to return to Albuquerque. “I have been able to do every role in theater and opera I ever wanted to do – not many professionals can say that – and I love entertaining my wonderful Albuquerque audiences.” Jean is survived by her son, Brian Crandal; grandson, Brandon Crandal; sister-in-law, Emily Cletsoway and her children Deborah and Eric; cousins, Donald and Rosa Montgomery; and all of her wonderful friends who made life a joy! There will be no formal funeral to attend. A memorial service is being planned, time and place to be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, Jean preferred donations be made to Musical Theatre Southwest, P.O. Box 81052, Albuquerque, NM 87198.

Jean Crandal

April 16, 1919 - May 13, 2013