Dorothy "Dot" Loretta Crossan

Dorothy Loretta Crossan, 93, a beautiful soul left us August 7, 2025 and is now resting peacefully. Born on May 12, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Dorothy Ryan and Peter Ryan.  Sister to the late Peter Ryan.  Dot was wife to the late Edward J. Crossan and mother to Edward Crossan (Kristin,) Thomas Crossan (Paula,) Patrick Crossan (Robin,) Joseph Crossan, Missy O’Malley (Patrick) and the late Michael Crossan (Bettyanne) and James Crossan.  Grandmother to the late Melissa O’Malley. 

Grandmother of Thomas Crossan, Georgeanne Moore, Julia Crossan, Lexi Crossan, Jodi Valenti, Daniel Crossan, Liz Davis, Michael Crossan, Patrick O’Malley and Melissa O’Malley.  Great Grandmother to Ava, Grace and Jack Moore, Camryn Crossan and Delainey Davis.   Aunt to much loved nieces and nephews.     

Dot’s first and fondly remembered job was in Philadelphia’s Woodside Park in the late 1940’s.  She was 14, said she was 16 and became a “ticket girl.” She had life long memories of her teen summers. 

Dot later worked for Killhour Paper Company, South Philadelphia Food Distribution Center, Served many years as a Grays Ferry Community council volunteer. Dot then became Treasurer; Grays Ferry Federal Credit Union.  Ultimately retiring from Bell Fuels to enjoy time with her grandchildren.

Dot married Edward Crossan at 18 and moved to the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia and over the course of a few decades, had seven children. Dot was selfless in raising her children and was friend and neighbor to many. She taught her children the importance of education and hard work.  To not complain if you can’t fix it and be an example to others. 

Through the years, her hobbies were reading, arts and crafts; making greeting cards, doll houses and dollhouse furniture. Even as a working mom of seven children she had hobbies and made time to be creative and insightful. 

Our home was always open. Christmas holidays became several days of open house. Mom fed anyone that entered our home. She made dozens of homemade pies and her famous banana pudding.  If there was someone with nowhere to go they were welcomed at our table.  All who entered have beautiful memories of our home, and it had everything to do with Mom being our host. 

Her children saw compassion, not by words, but by seeing how she lived, her empathy, her presence, and her selflessness for others, in good times and especially in challenging times. 

Dot had a few close girlfriends; Rose and Margie. Hoping they are having an amazing reunion in heaven.  Dot ultimately became a resident in a long-term care facility where she made the closest of friends and was a favorite among staff.  As family, we often joined what we called the “cool table” for brunch, dinner, bingo and activities.  This was a space of much laughter and light heartedness, that without doubt she brought to the room.   

Dot accepted things as they were, finding the most joy in the small things.  Always grateful and never needing material things in life.  She saw beauty in the world and talked of how she “saw excitement through her young children’s eyes.”

Mom can rest peacefully now; all of her jobs are done. She made an impact in this world that have had a butterfly effect on those she touched, and those she raised.  And, likely many she didn’t even know about. 

Dot’s spirit will live on forever.  In her sage advice for life, may we all “be kind and have a good time.”

Rest easy Mom, you’ve earned it.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 9:30 to 11:30 on Thursday August 14, 2025 at Saint Gabriel's Church, 2917 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:30AM. 

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Gabriel's Catholic Church or Unite for Her https://uniteforher.org