Dorothy J. (Merchant) "Dot" Croft

Mrs. Dorothy J. (Merchant) "Dot" Croft, 77, of Gloucester passed away on Saturday evening in the Addison Gilbert Hospital after a lengthy illness. She is the wife of William L. Croft with whom she has shared 31 years of marriage. Dot was born July 2, 1941 in Gloucester, daughter of the late Sumner Merchant and Jeanette (Plunkett) Young. She was a lifelong resident of Gloucester. Dot worked for Railroad Variety for many years having to retire due to her ill health. She previously worked at General Electric Company, Gortons and Rual. Dot enjoyed more than anything spending time with her children and her fourteen grandchildren. She was the glue that held her family together, and never failed to send birthday cards with loving notes attached. She loved animals especially her dogs, cats and parakeets. Dot also enjoyed traveling with her husband Bill, as well as spending time boating and being at the beach, lakes and mountains. In addition to her loving husband Bill, Dot is survived by her children Mark Pratt and his wife Angela of Missouri, Michael Pratt of Boston and Dawn Reed of Spencer, her 13 grandchildren Cristy Lee Grace, Robert Arsenault, Jr., Kerry Arsenault, Sonny Arsenault, Nicole Toro, Benjamin Pearce, Jason Pratt, Julia Pratt, Daniel Pratt, Lisa Pratt, Louie Pederson, Billy Reed and Johnny Pederson and her 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by Bill's children Rosalyn LaCivita of NC and Renee Finley of SC, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Dot was predeceased by her three daughters Linda Grace, Terry Reed and Debra Pratt, her grandson Zachary Middleton as well as Bill's son William Croft, Jr. Dot's Graveside Service will be in Beechbrook Cemetery, Essex Ave West Gloucester on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In honoring with Dot's wishes there will be no visiting hours.