Mary Broughton Crane

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Broughton Crane of Old Lyme, Connecticut, and St. Petersburg, Florida, announces her passing on Friday, November 7, 2025, as the result of a tragic accident.

Born on April 30, 1934, and raised in Westfield, New Jersey, Mary was the daughter of John and Olive Lancaster. A gifted student and extremely talented musician, she attended Mount Holyoke College and went on to earn her degree from the University of Michigan School of Music.

Mary's lifelong love of music was evident to all who knew her. An accomplished pianist, she performed in concerts, in church, and in a beloved trio with close friends. She found great joy in sharing music with others, both formally and in the warmth of her home. She was an enthusiastic traveler who loved visiting new places, always returning with stories and photographs to share. An avid reader, Mary was always sharing her favorite books with family and friends and raised four avid readers.

Starting in her youth, Mary most often could be seen with a dear pet by her side and her love for animals led to her feeding the neighborhood cats and pursuing an interest in birdwatching.

Mary had many close friends throughout her life, and she nurtured those friendships with great care. Mary could always be counted on to provide a listening ear and honest feedback to her friends and family. She never shied away from calling it as she saw it.

In 2012, at the age of 78, Mary married her lifelong friend, Donald R. Crane, Jr., with whom she shared a beautiful chapter of companionship, travel, and laughter. Their bond was a testament to the joy of enduring friendship and love.

More than anything, Mary loved her family-both immediate and extended. She was the heart of the family and both a confidante and role model for her four children. She inspired and hosted many joyous family reunions bringing together extended family, including grandchildren, grandnieces, and grandnephews, who as a result developed special bonds with each other that will be a lasting tribute to her. Her home and her heart were always open.

A devoted member of the The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, Mary's faith was a guiding light in her life, reflected in her generosity, kindness, and gratitude.

Mary is survived by her husband, Donald R. Crane, Jr. of St. Petersburg, FL; her children Margaret Crockett (Charles), Phillip Broughton (Karen Rae), Anne Duvall (Robert Wagner), and Elizabeth Cox (Jonathan); her grandchildren James Crockett, Sarah Crockett (Turner Southey-Gordon), Emma Crockett, Hannah Broughton (Austin Dyer), Rebecca Broughton, Chas Duvall (Caroline), Brenton Duvall, William Duvall, Samuel Cox (Megan), Erin Sharp (Austin), and Brian Cox; and her great-grandchildren Charlie Duvall, Madden Duvall, Wesley Duvall, and Emmett Sharp. She is also survived by her beloved niece and nephews Molly Rodgers, Rick Broughton, John Lancaster, and Jeffrey Lancaster as well as her husband Donald's children, Donald Crane III, Bragg Crane (Tina) and his grandchildren, Crystal Crane LaMotte, Josh Crane, and Tyler Crane

She was predeceased by her brother, John Lancaster.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

Mary's music, laughter, and love will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.