Longtime Rumson resident, Mary Frances Croft, passed away at home on July 25 after a long illness. She was 78.

Born on September 28, 1946, in Jersey City, Mary grew up in West New York, NJ. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and Berkeley School, New York City in 1966.

After graduation, “Mary began her career at Cowles Communications (LOOK magazine) and continued to work with the Cowles family and foundation long after LOOK magazine ceased publication. At her time of death Mary was still working for the Cowles family. 

“Mary loved to travel and took many trips to see Europe, Canada, and the USA.  Some of her favorites were Nantucket, Cape Cod and the National Parks. She spent her early travel years tent camping with family and friends and later in a camper with her sister and her beloved golden retrievers.”  

Loved ones of Mary Frances Croft in her obituary

Mary is survived by: her beloved sister, Betty; her brothers, Donald and Walter and sister-in-law Rose Mary Croft; her nieces, Jennifer Lehman and Vanessa Croft; her nephew, Christopher Croft; and two grand-nephews and a grand-niece.  

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, from 3 to 6 p.m., with the prayer service at 5:30 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. Donations welcomed to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home

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