Shirley Ann Rose Kraft

With much sadness, we announce the passing of Ms. Shirley Ann Rose Kraft. At age 86, she left peacefully with family by her side, late Monday morning, on March 6, 2023.

Born in Reading, PA, on September 28, 1936, and adopted by the late Edward and Rose Kraft, she grew up quickly when she was expecting her oldest son at age 16, and three years later welcomed her youngest son. Always a hard worker and an independent woman, she put herself through college as a young mother and never stopped persevering.

In 1967, they moved to New Jersey and shortly after her marriage ended, she worked for a number of profitable businesses. She went on to start her own, very successful, consulting firm where she helped countless companies and individuals along the way. She was a leader, mentor, and admired by so many.

Shirley found camaraderie when she became a Board Member at JBWS (Jersey Battered Women’s Service), where she received the Distinguished Service Award for her hard work and dedication to helping women. From there she went on to coach women who were acclimating back into the work force.

After retirement, Shirley joined as an active member of Project Healthy Bones, and became a leader of multiple groups, including at her residence as well as her Church.

While acquiring many accolades over the years, there was nothing she was more proud of than her family. She is survived by her two sons, Gary (Diana) and Tim (Tammy), who each have three children, Dan (Jennifer), Meghan (John), Lauren (Mike), Jordan, Paige (Ryan), and Andrea. She was also a devoted great-grandmother to four children, Jackson, Henry, Eva, Jayeden, and another on the way. Shirley was a very involved grandmother (Nanny) hosting countless sleep overs, trips into NYC to the ballet and museums, as well as vacations to LBI every summer. She particularly loved those early morning walks on the beach. We all have so many life-long memories with “Ma”, “Shirley”, “Nanny”, and her impact on our family will continue to live on, always.

Though she moved quite often, she collected many friends along the way. Her closest friends were her companions in life and in laughter, and she loved you all so deeply.

If you had the pleasure of knowing our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, then you know what a fierce, albeit slightly strong-willed, always put together, organized, and independent lady she was every day. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Special thanks to her two incredible daughter-in-laws for always being there, regardless of the circumstances. As well as to the staff and nurses at Morristown and Hackettstown Hospitals, and especially at Merry Heart Senior Care Services in Succasunna. We will always be grateful for your compassion for Shirley and for all of us the last few weeks of her life.

Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. Friday, March 24, 2023, at St. Matthew The Apostle in Randolph, N.J. 

Arrangements were under the direction of the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ  07840