Catholic Foundation of Michigan / Website
CV NEWS FEED // A new endowment fund honoring a Pennsylvania woman who courageously chose life for her child will provide long-term support for pregnancy ministries that serve mothers and infants in need.
The Catholic Foundation of Michigan announced the establishment of the Mary Jo Crowley Crisis Pregnancy Endowment Fund in an April 14 emailed press release. Marco DeCapite, Crowley’s birth son, created the fund to honor his late mother’s life and legacy.
Crowley, known to friends and family as MJ, worked as a media librarian for more than 40 years. Born and raised in Michigan, she was married for 37 years and was the mother of three sons and grandmother of nine.
The press release recounts that Crowley became pregnant at the age of 24 and, despite facing significant personal challenges, chose to carry her child to term and place him for adoption. Years later, at age 23, when DeCapite searched for his genetic history, he was able to contact Crowley. His adoptive parents were also able to thank Crowley for the gift of their son.
Crowley’s decision, the announcement noted, left a lasting impact on her biological son and his adoptive family. Now, through the endowment, her legacy will also support countless mothers and children in need.
“Her legacy of love, sacrifice and service continues to inspire all those she touched,” the release stated. Crowley passed away on Sept. 6, 2024.
According to the foundation, the Mary Jo Crowley Crisis Pregnancy Endowment Fund will “provide comprehensive support to women in unexpected and difficult pregnancies by offering medical care, financial support, and adoption services.” It aims to ensure that both mothers and infants receive “the necessary resources and proper medical care, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.”
Primary beneficiaries include the Michigan Christ Medicus Foundation, which works to strengthen the Catholic identity of its Heart of Christ Clinic and provide bioethical training; and the Heart of Christ Clinic itself, which delivers medical care and support for mothers and infants in Detroit. It may also someday extend to other approved clinics, such as Bella Wellness in Englewood, Colorado, that align with Catholic teaching and serve vulnerable families.
The endowment will also aid single mothers, offering medical care, adoption assistance, and essential supplies before and after childbirth.
