Suellen K Holcroft

Suellen Krause Holcroft passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the age of 87 at the Samaritan Hospice inpatient unit in Mount Holly, with her family by her side. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on November 11, 1939, she was the second youngest of six children of the late Milton and Ellen Krause. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, in three years, from West Chester University in 1959. It was there she met her husband, John Holcroft, on a blind date set up by his brother, and made Mount Holly their permanent home. John loved calling Sue “Big Red” because of her pretty auburn hair and statuesque height. They were a wonderful complimentary team and example for their children, grandchildren and community. Sue and John were always together, openly affectionate and frequently seen walking and holding hands, dancing at social gatherings, playing tennis, attending church or just enjoying sitting together. Sue taught kindergarten for 5 years in the Willingboro school district before choosing to stay at home to raise her children. She was ahead of her time as a woman, which showed in her confidence and competitive nature. Sue had a gift for connecting with anyone, was an excellent negotiator, and did not hesitate to express her viewpoint. These talents, and to help pay for college, led her to join World Book-Childcraft, Inc. where she became one of the top sales associates in the country and being promoted to Division manager. This success coupled with her love of always finding, and negotiating the best deal while shopping, earned her the nickname “the Shark” by her family. A health and fitness enthusiast for her entire adult life, she prided herself on staying current on wellness news and loved preparing nutritious meals and snacks, and encouraged her family and friends to do the same. Sue was an avid tennis player, who enjoyed doubles tennis the most, with her husband John and numerous other friends and teammates. Sue was a fierce, athletic competitor, especially at the net! She treasured her tennis community and for years organized weekly tennis leagues and luncheons. She was frequently seen at Westwood Swim Club, Arrowhead, Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club, and on the courts at Hilton Head Island during yearly vacations. Later in life she loved to walk, participate in aquatic exercises, and dance at Brightview live music events. A longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Holly, her commitment to her faith and living out Jesus’ command of loving thy neighbor as yourself, was central to her life. She frequently served those in need both inside and outside the congregation with home visits, meals, prayers and encouragement. As a young mother, she established and led Young Active Christian Couples (YACC), by enlisting speakers on various topics and scheduling activities such as volleyball and square dancing. Sue’s family was her life and she loved them unconditionally. She was an incredible example of a wife, mother, grandmother and daughter; caring for her father and mother for years. She loved family dinners, vacations and reunions, as well as being of service to others. Throughout her life she possessed seemingly endless energy never missing her daughter’s piano and band recitals, and concerts. Similarly, she loved attending the boys’ many sporting practices and events and was known for her passionate encouragement and support. A proud grandmother of ten, Sue loved to spoil them, babysit and, participate in their activities. She was an old-school mom; running the household with high expectations, not afraid to offer her opinion, her protection, and always loving hard and helping anyone in need. She viewed everyone as part of God’s family, and naturally made anyone, anywhere feel warm, loved and welcome. Preceded in death by her husband John, together they formed an amazing God-fearing team for almost 65 years. She is survived by their 4 children: daughter Susan and 3 sons: Stephen (Lisa), Timothy (Emily), & Peter (Kristen). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: RT (Stephanie), John (Lauren), Ally, Connor, Ethan (Kayleigh), Jacob (Danielle), Anna, Lily, Lucy, & Alice; and 6 great-grandchildren: Matthew, Aiden, Sydney, Marlo, Callan, and Adelaide. A Memorial Service celebrating Sue’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 29, at the First Presbyterian Church, 125 Garden St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30-11:00 at the Church. A luncheon will be served there immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Suellen Holcroft’s memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church. “Walk with the King” “In His love and ours”

Suellen K Holcroft

November 11, 1938 - July 17, 2026