Katherine T. Croft

Katherine ”Kitty” T. Croft, longtime principal and educator, passed away on August 28, 2024 at her home in Metairie. She was raised in New Orleans and graduated from John McDonough High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she met her husband, Stephen W. Croft. She later earned a master’s degree of education from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Then in 1969, she returned to the New Orleans area with her family and began her 45 year career working within the Jefferson Parish School System. She started as a third grade social studies teacher and later became a curriculum coordinator, administrative assistant and assistant principal. Then in 1985 she was named principal of Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School in Kenner, where she remained for 31 years until her retirement. Throughout her career her focus was always on the children with her motto being “For the Kids.” She believed that there was no greater reward than working with young children. As principal, Mrs. Croft was a leader who maintained a high level of expectation which motivated those around her to be their best. She was a leader, mentor, and friend to her teachers and staff. As a result of her leadership, Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School was recognized numerous times as a school of high achievement and received many awards. She left a legacy of excellence and inspired her students to believe in themselves and succeed through education.

She loved to travel and enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren on wonderful vacations. She was also an avid reader, sharp card player, certified scuba diver and loved going out to eat with friends and family. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, an organization of professional educators and a member of Senior Pandas at the Chinese Presbyterian Church.

She was predeceased by her mother, Ruby Lu Wei (Hsia) Tsoi, her father Edward M.Y. Tsoi, brothers Edward T.M. Tsoi and David T.P. Tsoi and the father of her children Stephen W. Croft.

She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Breaux (Reuben) of Huntington Beach, California and Lisa Croft of Metairie, Louisiana; her three grandsons, Adam Breaux, Bryan Breaux and Roman Currenti; her sister-in-law, Louise Tsoi of Arlington, Massachusetts; and two nieces, two great nieces and a great nephew.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Event Center. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School, http://jpschools.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/53261/261/False/True. Kindly make notation the donation is on behalf of “For the Kids Fund” to honor her lifelong dedication to children and education.

The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com