Claire Nowak Croll, devoted Republican

Claire Theresa (Nowak) Croll, 83, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.

Mrs. Croll was born in the Bronx, N.Y., the daughter of the late Albert G. and Frances (Wocel) Nowak. Mrs. Croll was a homemaker. She was also very involved in the community. Mrs. Croll was an active member of the national, state and county Women's Republican Party. She was a retired board member of the Georgetown Return Day Committee. She served on the Delaware Federation of Republican Women's Building Committee, Delaware Republican Women's Board, and the Sussex County Republican Women's Club. Mrs. Croll was instrumental in founding the Nine Holer's Golf Group at Sussex Pines Country Club, and was also on the golf, bridge and advisory committees for Sussex Pines. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Georgetown, where she served as a lector and eucharistic minister. Mrs. Croll was awarded the Appreciation of Merit Award from the bishop for her dedication and service to the church. Additional roles she served in her community included Brownie leader, PTA president and catechism teacher. She was a member of the Century Club in Georgetown for over 50 years. She was well known for her entertaining of friends and family, hosting many events and celebrations over the years.

Mrs. Croll is survived by her husband of 61 years, Albert Page Croll; three children and their spouses, Christine Lecates and her husband Bill of Georgetown, Carolyn Kelly and her husband David of Fallston, Md., and Gus Croll and his wife Mandy of Millsboro; one sister, Norma Murphy of Baltimore, Md.; eight grandchildren, Betsy Lecates, Alicia Hammock, Courtney Stefanick, Danielle Basener, Brittany Croll, Beau Croll, Carley Croll, and Page Croll; along with six great-grandchildren.

There will be a gathering for family and friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, at The Brick Hotel on The Circle in Georgetown. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 202 Edward St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Georgetown.