Carolyn Margaret Crabtree
1939 - 2025
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Carolyn Margaret Crabtree (Bender), known affectionately as “Lynn,” of Sarasota, FL (formerly of Westwood and Pocasset, MA), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. She was 86 years old.
Born on October 13, 1939, in Mount Vernon, NY, Lynn was the daughter of the late Martin J. and Margaret Lees Bender. She graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1957 and went on to earn her degree from Manhattanville College.
In 1960, Lynn married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, William Otis “Tony” Crabtree III. Together, they made their home in Westwood, MA, where they raised four children and built a warm, welcoming household filled with love, laughter, and friendship.
Known to her children’s friends as “Mrs. C,” Lynn was a kind and generous presence who welcomed everyone to 26 Magaletta Drive. Her home was always open — whether for a swim in the backyard pool or a friendly visit — and she delighted in creating a place where everyone felt at home. She cherished her many friendships in Westwood and especially loved playing tennis with her close circle of friends. The family home was filled with affection and often the joyful chaos of the family’s pets, including their beloved dog, Pepper.
After raising their family, Lynn and Tony retired first to Cape Cod and later to Sarasota, Florida, where they continued to enjoy time with friends and family.
In addition to her beloved husband Tony, Lynn is survived by her devoted daughter Karen Crabtree Synk (Glenn Yoder) of Osprey, FL; and sons Bill Crabtree (Pam) of Yarmouth Port, MA, and Chris Crabtree (Chrissy) of Natick, MA. She was predeceased by her son Michael Crabtree. Lynn also leaves behind her nine adored grandchildren — Gretchen (Nick), William (Endia), Caroline (Coleman), Molly (Jimmy), Kevin, Steven, Elena, Alex, and Noelle — and her dear brother Edwin (Jette) Bender. She was also predeceased by her brother John Bender and his wife, Alice. Lynn is also lovingly remembered by Marlen Rojas who will always be part of the family.
Services and interment will be private. A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held in January.
Born on October 13, 1939, in Mount Vernon, NY, Lynn was the daughter of the late Martin J. and Margaret Lees Bender. She graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1957 and went on to earn her degree from Manhattanville College.
In 1960, Lynn married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, William Otis “Tony” Crabtree III. Together, they made their home in Westwood, MA, where they raised four children and built a warm, welcoming household filled with love, laughter, and friendship.
Known to her children’s friends as “Mrs. C,” Lynn was a kind and generous presence who welcomed everyone to 26 Magaletta Drive. Her home was always open — whether for a swim in the backyard pool or a friendly visit — and she delighted in creating a place where everyone felt at home. She cherished her many friendships in Westwood and especially loved playing tennis with her close circle of friends. The family home was filled with affection and often the joyful chaos of the family’s pets, including their beloved dog, Pepper.
After raising their family, Lynn and Tony retired first to Cape Cod and later to Sarasota, Florida, where they continued to enjoy time with friends and family.
In addition to her beloved husband Tony, Lynn is survived by her devoted daughter Karen Crabtree Synk (Glenn Yoder) of Osprey, FL; and sons Bill Crabtree (Pam) of Yarmouth Port, MA, and Chris Crabtree (Chrissy) of Natick, MA. She was predeceased by her son Michael Crabtree. Lynn also leaves behind her nine adored grandchildren — Gretchen (Nick), William (Endia), Caroline (Coleman), Molly (Jimmy), Kevin, Steven, Elena, Alex, and Noelle — and her dear brother Edwin (Jette) Bender. She was also predeceased by her brother John Bender and his wife, Alice. Lynn is also lovingly remembered by Marlen Rojas who will always be part of the family.
Services and interment will be private. A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held in January.
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