Lydia Jo Crooks (née Cotriss), born in Cuba, New York on August 19th, 1954, died at her home in Arnold, MD of natural causes the morning of September 4th, 2024 at the age of 70. She is survived by her husband, Mark Crooks; her three children James Matthew, John Michael, and Alexandra Jane; her granddaughter Emine Jane; her siblings Cynthia [Paul] Donnay, Marcia [Gary] Person, Jeff [Rose] Cotriss, and Alicia [Jeff] Pugliese; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and of course, her new puppy, Molly, and cat, Beeker.

Lydia grew up in Elmira, NY, Columbus, OH, and Oakmont, PA. She entered the military service after high school. She proudly served in the United States Air Force Security Service before transitioning to the National Security Agency, where she worked in signal intelligence. While serving, she earned a bachelor's degree in the Russian Language. Lydia led by example. She was a proud and dedicated scout leader, soccer mom, sister, and wife. She served as a beloved educator, costumer, pianist, librarian, computer and makers-tech teacher at the Key School in Annapolis, MD for over thirty years. She dedicated her life to playing with, raising, loving, and educating children. She leaves behind generations of students who are skilled in creating wonder out of household objects, experienced problem solvers, curious cooks, talented theater members, and joyful mess makers. Consistently filled with awe by how things worked, she saw problems like puzzles to solve, the recycling bin as a toolbox, and a quiet morning as the perfect start to a busy day ahead.

Lydia was a "yes" woman. No project was too big or too weird for her to tackle. An accomplished seamstress, Lydia was ready at a moment's notice to sew in a zipper, hem a prom dress, design elaborate Halloween costumes, or craft a beaded wedding gown (but please, no more cushions!) She even had a measuring tape taped to her school desk to help fix any sewing emergency, including the stuffed animal hospital she unofficially ran through her classroom. Lydia was a musician through and through. She started as an organist for her church growing up and continued to play piano for school performances and family gatherings. She sang with the Annapolis Choral and Cantori for over 15 years. Lydia was active in her veteran's groups "The Misawa Project", volunteered with the Annapolis SPCA, and gave countless hours to supporting any and all needs around her.

A true matriarch to her family, Lydia found comfort and growth in walks with her dogs and husband, strength in her siblings through yearly travel and daily conversations, deep pride and satisfaction in her children's successes, comfort in books and busy-ness, and an undying curiosity. Lydia's dream was for those around her to feel loved. She was a loyal friend who gave her all without being asked, often being the first to sign up for a food train because she knew it was the right thing to do. Her frequent and joyous laughter signaled that all was well; there was food in the oven, a book close by, an unfinished project, and a hug on the way. She is so loved and so deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Lydia's name to a charity of your choice that supports creativity, education, literacy, breast cancer, or helps our furry friends. If you choose to make a donation to a charity in her honor, please let us know. We would appreciate the opportunity to understand what aspects of her life and character inspired your choice.

Family and friends may visit on Monday September 9, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A 495 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park, MD 21146.