Kathleen "Spirit Dancer" Patricia DeGraw Mann Crippen, Ramapough Lenape, Wolf Clan.

She came to us from the East on August 22, 1950, born in Nyack New York, and began her final journey West, August 15, 2023, in Rhode Island. Kathy, is leaving behind numerous generations worth of knowledge, stories and cultural traditions, but equally significant, is Spirit Dancer’s familial legacy. Kathy leaves behind eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, her daughter Nadja and her devoted husband, Arthur Red Medicine Crippen (Shinnecock). Kathleen is known for her unwavering love, with that being said, Kathy is also leaving behind many adopted children from various Eastern Woodlands nations. Kathy is now resting with her deceased son Robert in Sky World. Kathy worked for the Mashantucket Pequot Child Development Center for 15+ years, and was honored in her 10th year. Kathy, alongside Juanita Reels, and the Pequot Elders Council designed and erected the Toonuppaaog building, Turtle in Muddy Waters. Spirit Dancer, her Ramapo name, was known for Eastern blanket dance and her fancy shawl footwork. Pre Wheelchair, Kathleen stood 6 '2, and was indeed an auntie not to mess with, but always full of good medicine. Kathy and Art began the Little Fox Dance Troop, where their cultural educator pedagogy flourished. Many Little Fox dancers are now parents, and some grandparents! We all know Ms. Kat for her love of strawberries, the next generation, black bears, hummingbirds, dragonflies, the color purple, her beadwork and all of her stories! A world renown storyteller and visionary, Kathy leaves behind a colorful array of oral traditions, for those who listened carefully. Spirit Dancer completed her associates at Rockland County College in Psychology with a concentration in Child Education. Kathy was a hand drummer, singer and avid songwriter. In the mid-2000’s Kathy, Nuweetuon School Indigenous students, and Ramapo educators at Rhode Island College held the first and only-ever, Powwow on campus. Spirit Dancer sang songs about ninja turtles, rainbows and berries to always keep the youth happy. Kathy was always quick to honor and remind people she loved them. When a Ramapo tribal member (Emil Mann) lost his life to a NJ park ranger, Kathy quickly organized the other Clan Mothers to have a nationwide march in his honor. To date, this is the largest Ramapo memorial or gathering of the tribe, Anushiik Kathy. Having sung alongside Artie, her best friend and husband, they both created a regalia donation bank as a part of Eastern Medicine Singers to help impoverished youth, regardless of tribal affiliation. The babies, the creation stories, our elders and our land always came first during Kathy’s red road journey. Services are private.