Christina "Penny" Crane

Christina “Penny” Crane, 68, of Gurnee, Ill., passed away peacefully on March 26, 2023.

Penny was born in New York City to the late Luigi Filardo and Mary (Kulynych) Filardo on December 25, 1954. She grew up calling several states along East Coast home before her family settled in the Midwest. Ultimately, Penny came to call Lake County, Ill. and Kenosha County, Wis. home.

Penny possessed a zest for life and adventure. Whether working as a corporate restaurant manager or the sole-proprietor to her taverns, she preferred simple commitments that afforded her the opportunities to follow her passions and live on her own terms. Most inspired by the simplicity of nature, her most exultant pursuits (in no particular order) included being a grandmother, her creative craftmanship of natural skincare products and primitive farmhouse folk art that she shared online at Cranesnest, feeding the squirrels and birds, and her summer profession at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.  

She is survived by her loving sons Richard Ringwald of Concord, New Hamp. and Russell "Rusty" Craig of Beaver Dam, Wis., whom she shares with her former spouse and dear friend Russell Craig; adoring grandchildren Jayce Ringwald, Damian Ringwald and Kaedance Ringwald, who affectionately referred to her as "Gma-C", and Zoey Craig, who knew her as "fairy grandma;" cherished sister Victoria Gothier of Beaver Dam, Va.; and longtime companion Frank Furlan. Penny was preceded in death by her beloved husband Earl Ringwald; and brother Jimmy Filardo.

A private memorial and interment are being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please be kind, hug a loved one, and feed the squirrels.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Ill.