Margaret M. Croft, 78, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on April 28, 1946, to James and Eileen Croft, Margaret lived a life full of creativity, warmth, and deep love for her family and friends. She was a sister at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, founded by Julie Billiart, and carried the values of kindness, service, and faith throughout her life.

A dedicated artist and lifelong learner, Margaret graduated from Notre Dame High School in Alameda, CA, in 1964. She later pursued her passion for the arts at California College of the Arts (formerly CCAC), earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design on May 13, 2000. She worked for many years in corporate America, including at Monahan Paper Company, her family’s business, which was founded in 1902.

Margaret found beauty in many forms. She was a talented graphic designer, watercolor painter, and stained glass artist. Her love for fiber arts was reflected in her intricate knitting—creating socks, sweaters, scarves, and hats—as well as her weaving of placemats and hand towels. She also made jewelry, each piece infused with her unique artistic vision. Additionally, she enjoyed working with ceramics, often making beautiful ceramic Christmas ornaments that became treasured keepsakes.

Beyond her creative talents, Margaret had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved Bichon Frise, Cassie. She was an avid football fan, cheering passionately for the San Francisco 49ers, and she never missed an episode of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, both of which she enjoyed watching daily.

Margaret never met a stranger—she was a friend to many and had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. She had plentiful dear friends whom she made throughout all the stages of her life, and she cherished each of those connections deeply. She had a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room, and her generosity knew no bounds—she always found ways to give, whether through her time, talents, or kindness.

She is survived by her children, Eric (Katie), Julie, and Phillip; her beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Sophie, Evan, and Tyler; and her siblings, Jim (Alice), Joan, Sharon (Robert), and Dan (Marsha). She also leaves behind her cherished nephews, Jason, Andy, Danny, and Dylan; nieces, Sarah, Sierra, and Rachel; grandnephews, Colin and Ryan; grandnieces, Hannah and Addison; as well as many dear cousins and lifelong friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, James and Eileen Croft; her son-in-law, Nelson (the husband of Julie and father of Zachary and Sophie); and her beloved dog, Cassie.

Margaret’s kindness, creativity, humor, and quiet strength touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the colors she painted, the stitches she knit, the ornaments she crafted, and the love she shared.

Care has been entrusted to Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary.