Kristin Crawford Freilino

Kristin Crawford Freilino of Las Cruces, New Mexico died January 8th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Apollo, PA to Edgar and Genevieve Dice Crawford. She grew up in Weinel’s Crossroads, PA, graduated from Leechburg High School in 1958 where she was the head majorette. After high school, she attended Business Training College in Pittsburgh. She worked at her family’s Tastee Freeze until 1962. That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Second Lieutenant John E. Freilino USAF, son of Ortanzo and Mary Sorisio Freilino of Leechburg, PA.

The year 1962 was the beginning of a 30 year career as a military wife. Kristin supervised 22 major moves in the states and overseas, mentored and guided officers wives groups, volunteered in community and on-base activities while seeing that her 3 children thrived and enjoyed their own endeavors. She was the epitome of what a military wife should be, and above all, cherished the life-long friendships made over the years. She was a good friend to many.

Kristin was an avid reader, crossword puzzler (in ink), self-taught crocheter, and loved arts and crafts. “Grammy” made every grandchild’s first Christmas ornament and one every year until the age of 18. She belonged to a small circle of knitters and crocheters, making and donating items to various charities in Las Cruces and surrounding cities. She specialized in crocheting breast prosthetics for low-income women who couldn’t afford reconstruction. Several years ago, she began a Kindness Rock Project in her neighborhood. She painted river rocks conveying comfort, kindness, inspiration, etc. for anyone to gather from her front yard… and she painted thousands! She was known as the Rock Lady to many.

Kristin is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Col. (Ret) John E. Freilino, daughters Kristin Reed, Leesburg, VA, Kari (Eric) Kubla, Las Cruces, NM, and son John M. (Laurie) Freilino, Las Cruces, NM, brother Michael Crawford, Newville, PA, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on January 30th, 2026 at St. Albert the Great Newman Center at 10:00 am. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity or to the Road Runner Food Bank of New Mexico.