Pamela Jean (Wilson) Croft, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Buffalo, MN, at the age of 76. Born on January 15, 1948, in Seattle, WA, Pamela was the daughter of Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline (Coleman) Swanson.
Her early years were marked by frequent moves with her family, eventually settling in Litchfield, MN, where she grew up and graduated with the class of 1966.
After high school, Pamela pursued her passion for beauty and style at Wanner’s School of Beauty Culture in Duluth, MN. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Dean Croft, when they worked together at Universal Fiberglass Corporation in Two Harbors, MN.
They were married on August 16, 1969. Pamela also contributed her talents to beauty shops in Bayport, MN; Austin, TX; and Two Harbors, MN. During Dean’s military service, the couple lived in Austin, TX, where Pamela provided support and filled their apartment with love and warmth.
After Dean’s service, they returned to Two Harbors, where they raised their three children. Pamela loved hosting and entertaining, filling her home with warmth and laughter. Her culinary skills, especially her baking, were renowned among family and friends. People never left hungry, and it brought her joy to watch those she loved gathered around the table enjoying her delicious meals.
She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed playing bridge, lived her life as a faithful Christian woman, and was often a guest speaker at Women’s Aglow and other Christian events.
She had charisma; when she entered a room, or when speaking with her, you felt like you were in a safe place with someone you could trust and who truly cared about you. Her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and love will be cherished by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline Swanson; sister, Roxanne Wilson; and her sister-in-law, Mary June Wilson. Pamela is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dean; children, Bryan Croft, Paul Croft, and Rebecca (Adam) McGrane; grandchildren, Brittan, Malia, Savanna, and Quinn; siblings, Douglas Wilson, Darrel (Diana) Wilson, and Jamie (Virgil) Wiechmann, and many other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 12:00 PM with visitation beginning one hour prior at Buffalo Covenant Church, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
