Vanessa Calgren Crawford

Vanessa Calgren Crawford (born August 20, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska) devoted much of her life to caring for children and serving her community. A lifelong Wichita resident, Vanessa combined steady work with a generous heart: after nearly two decades with the United States Postal Service she devoted herself to running an in‑home childcare where generations of families came to know her as a kind, dependable presence. Neighbors often called her “Grandma Vanessa” for the warmth and patience she showed the children in her care.

Vanessa was also committed to serving others outside her home. She helped establish Family Promise of Greater Wichita, volunteered with programs for veterans and supported the Kansas Food Bank. Those who knew her remember a person who gave time and energy to causes that helped families and neighbors in need.

Family was central to Vanessa’s life. She is remembered by her daughters Krysal Irvin and Kelsey (Clay Jones) Crawford, daughter‑in‑law Jessica Hisken, grandchildren Micah Hisken, Kalla Demel, Kai Carlgren, Elise Hisken, Claron Jones, and Marlon Jones, and by her father Joe Bendowsky and siblings. She was preceded in death by her mother, Annika Carlgren, and her son, Zachary Hisken.

A funeral service was held at Riverside Christian Church in Wichita. Friends and family recall Vanessa for her steady care of children, her volunteer spirit, and the quiet ways she helped others. Though her life ended too soon, the practical kindnesses she offered—through child care, community volunteer work, and everyday neighborliness—left a lasting imprint on those who knew her.

Vanessa is remembered not only for the roles she filled but for the daily, human acts of care that defined her life: comforting a worried parent, giving a child a safe place to play, and showing up to help neighbors in need. Those memories endure in the families and community she served.