Nancy H (Clarke) Crough

Nancy Crough, 87, of Cohasset MA and Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 18, 2022 after a lengthy bout with Alzheimer’s. She never voiced any frustration over her plight, nor did she ever lose her sense of humor or positive nature. She was born on July 18, 1935 in Syracuse, the daughter of Thomas Clarke and Mary (Lynn) Clarke originally from County Mayo, Ireland. One of four siblings, Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers Alfred Clarke of Hamburg, NY and Thomas Clarke of Syracuse, NY and sister Mary (Clarke) Lawton of Skaneateles, NY.  She was also preceded in death by her husband James Crough.

Nancy leaves behind four adoring children and their spouses: Lynn Crough of Greenfield, MA, Kevin & Sandy Crough of Cohasset, MA, Ted Crough of Quincy, MA and Mark (Shu) & Kerry Crough of Windsor, CO. and ten loving grandchildren: Olivia, Ryan, Samantha, Brianne, Aidan, Kiernan, Kiley, Meaghan, Shane and Jack and many nephews and nieces.

Nancy was a homemaker and a longtime sales associate of Lord & Taylor in Braintree, MA. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, sold for Mary Kay and worked tirelessly to support her children and maintain a home life. She never once complained of life’s challenges, preferring to lean on her spirituality.  She displayed grace and embodied selflessness as she did her best to provide a family life for her children as they grew up in Cohasset.

In her youth, she graduated from Most Holy Rosary High School in Syracuse and went on to attend Buffalo State University. Nancy was a stunner in her days as a model at car shows in the early 50s. She took a liking to a crosstown basketball star at Christian Brothers Academy and later Saint Bonaventure University. Jim and Nancy spent summer weekends with friends on the shores of Skaneateles Lake out front of the Sherwood Inn. They married in Syracuse.  Jim’s work would lead them to reside in Pittsburgh PA, Rocky River OH, Akron OH, Columbus OH, Penfield NY and ultimately to Cohasset, MA where they lived for multiple decades on Jerusalem Road.

Testimony to Nancy’s good-natured personality was shared with us by many a friend, neighbor, co-worker, and caregiver of hers. Reflections such as “I bumped into your mom the other day, my is she a sweetheart or “It’s a joy having Nancy here with us at the nursing home” were a constant reminder to us of a woman that paused her day and made sure to warmly engage those in her company.

Special thanks to Southwood Nursing Home staff in Norwell, MA for the tremendous care for our mother.  Thanks also to Cohasset Housing and Jill Rosano for keeping an extra eye on Nancy for many years.

A celebration of life and memorial services are to be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Cohasset on Saturday November 5, 2022 @ 10 A.M with a reception afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to others in need or simply effect a donation to further the research into the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease at www.alz.org.  

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