Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Heather became a 'constant' in Mendon when she took ownership of Crabby Dan's Cafe. Everyone who was commuting to work and wanted a cup of hot coffee knew it would be ready by 6 am (or earlier) if your route passed Crabby's. If you had a few extra minutes you could get fantastic scrambled eggs, or hot oatmeal with blueberries or whatever special concoction she had created to tempt you. Numerous small groups of commuters, local retirees or visitors to local families learned about her hospitality and became tried and true customers. Her Friday night fish fry became famous and when she began catering, her business expanded and she handled it with energy, enthusiasm and creativity. She was one of the most organized people I have ever seen, could handle a zillion tasks at one time and usually with a smile and an appropriate comment.
She had a wall board to post your business card, she had hooks to hang your own china coffee mug, she had a blackboard menu that covered nearly an entire wall so holding a paper menu wasn't needed.
I often walked in the 'back' door at 5:30 am and set tables to save her a few steps and then had a cup of coffee while she continued her prep for the day and we settled all the problems of the world in the next twenty minutes before the other locals showed up for their daily breakfast fare!
Her steady clientele marveled at her work ethic prior to and following the birth of her son. Nick. As he grew and started to stop in the cafe with his dad and then began to do some of the cafe chores, he became another fixture and we all wanted to hear what his latest adventure was and how he was doing in school.
Crabby Dan's created small groups of good, good friends. Heather's smile and happy attitude made it your own personal 'Cheers" and you really looked forward to the daily morning gab fest before going to work. I am convinced those groups would not have happened elsewhere, Heather created that feeling and comfort.
She became a very good friend and I am so saddened that she is gone but so happy we had a long chat three weeks ago. It was like old times, we laughed about memories from years past and planned on getting together if I visited this coming summer. She was truly a unique person and we are all the better for having enjoyed her hospitality.
My sincere sympathy to all of the family, you truly have so many special memories to help you get though this loss.
