Gretna Crossan Obituary
Born in Thorndale, PA on February 22, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Walter H. and Margaret E. (Thomas) Thompson. Gretna graduated from S. Horace Scott Senior High School in Coatesville with the class of 1943. For 27 years Gretna worked as the cashier in the pharmaceutical department at Rite Aid. She was a member of Thorndale United Methodist Church, and she enjoyed reading and doing word search puzzles.
Surviving is her daughter Barbara Stanford, wife of Michael, of Downingtown; granddaughters Beth Haines, wife of Gregory, and Lisa Stanford; great grandchildren Ryan and Kate; sister-in-law Clara Bicking; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings Walter, Jr., Maryann and Dale.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11 AM at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335. Viewing will be from 9:45 – 10:45 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Coatesville.
736 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335
People and places connected with Gretna
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Gretna Crossan
Tell your own story about Gretna
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in Gretna Crossan's name
How to support Gretna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gretna Crossan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored