Jose Thelma Croll

Jose Thelma Croll (102) passed away peacefully at Goodwin House Alexandria on March 20, 2026. The only child of Grace Agnes (Hancock) Baalham and Martin William Baalham, Jose was born in London, England on April 2, 1923. In 1928, she was enrolled at St. Mary's Convent in Colchester, England where she resided until 1939 when she became a trainee at the London Office of the District Valuer. During World War 2, Jose served as Assistant to the Production Controller in the Ministry of Supply. After the War, Jose was employed at the Lucie Clayton Ltd. Model Agency and Finishing School in London, eventually becoming Principal of the School. In 1954, Jose emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City where she was employed at the Pakistan Consulate General (U.N. Division) with responsibilities focused on U.N. World Relief agencies. In 1956, Jose joined the Empire Trust Company and, later, was appointed Assistant Secretary of the newly formed Hambro American Bank and Trust Company. In 1971, Jose took her expertise to Barclays Bank of New York where she was appointed assistant vice president and tasked with managing Barclays move into its new headquarters at 75 Wall Street in Manhattan.

In addition to her remarkable professional life, Jose was an active member and volunteer at Church of the Incarnation in New York City and, after moving to Washington, DC in 1993, at Christ Church, Georgetown. Throughout her life, she was an avid reader and, upon becoming a resident-owner at The Westchester in Washington, she became actively involved in organizing the residents' library and scheduling various events and lectures. Her commitment to numerous charitable causes was particularly concentrated on supporting local food pantries, animal rights organizations and environmental foundations. Her exquisite needle-point work enhanced the homes of many friends with beautifully designed pillows and seat cushions.

A private service will be held at a future date at St. Peter and St. Paul Parish Church, Ewhurst, Surrey, England. A donation in Jose's memory may be made to Christ Church, Georgetown, 3116 O Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007.