Remembering S. Nancy Crofton

“If the world takes something from us on the one hand, God will give us something on the other.”

St. Louise de Marillac

Sister Nancy Crofton died on May 24, 2026, at the age of 73 in Mother Margaret Hall on the Mount St. Joseph campus. She was a Sister of Charity for 46 years.

Born on Sept. 24, 1952, Sister Nancy was the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Ziegelmeyer) Crofton. She grew up in Cincinnati with her sister, Barbara, attending Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School and graduating from Mother of Mercy High School in 1971.

Following high school, Sister Nancy worked in the insurance industry, advancing toward an assistant manager position. At the same time, she volunteered with children in local hospitals, which also included St. Joseph Orphanage in Cincinnati where she met the Sisters of Charity.

While on vacation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sister Nancy visited a friend’s sister who happened to be a Sister of Charity. Asking questions and learning more about the Community, Sister Nancy became acquainted with the Sisters of Charity and their ministries. After returning home, she connected with the Sisters of Charity living at St. William Convent and entered the Community in November 1979. She made First Vows in October 1982.

Sister Nancy combined her business background with her desire to serve children and families. She earned an associate degree in human services from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1989 and a bachelor’s degree in pastoral family studies from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1992. In 1994, she completed requirements to become a Licensed Social Worker.

Her ministries included many years as a group parent at St. Joseph Orphanage and as a case manager at St. Joseph Villa. She also ministered at Boys Hope as a residential counselor and with ACT Case Management. From 1987 to 1991, she served as a residential counselor in the Jesuit Program in Cincinnati.

After 15 years in social work-related ministries, Sister Nancy felt called to focus more intentionally on the spiritual needs of young people. She taught religion at McAuley High School from 1998-2000, Seton High School from 2000-2003, and Roger Bacon High School from 2003-2005.

She joined Talbert House in Cincinnati in 2008, where she provided clinical services for women. In 2010, she began serving in Talbert House’s ADAPT program for men struggling with addiction. There she worked closely with clients seeking recovery and a new direction in life. Reflecting on this ministry, Sister Nancy once shared, “When I listen to their stories and am able to challenge them to see themselves as beings created by God, making bad choices but not being bad people, I feel I have done something to help them.”

As Sister Nancy faced her own health challenges, she retired from active ministry in 2019. She moved to the Motherhouse in March 2021 and volunteered in the Arts and Crafts Program. There her ready wit and sense of humor were valued as the Sister and Associate volunteers created gifts to sell in the Motherhouse gift shop. An accomplished quilter, she incorporated biblical themes into quilted pieces and enjoyed creating small stuffed caricatures for children. She also learned stained-glass artistry and created handcrafted gifts for others.

When celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 2004, Sister Nancy reflected on the Sisters with whom she ministered and lived. “As a member of the Sisters of Charity I have experienced great joy because of the Sisters who have loved and supported me. … Now and for the days to come, my greatest gift of all is to be a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati.”

Sister Nancy is survived by her sister, Barbara Stoinoff, brother-in-law, Bob Stoinoff, and her nephews Rob and Scott.

A Memorial Mass for Sister Nancy will be offered Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Sister Nancy chose a green burial, which took place on Wednesday, May 27 in the Sisters of Charity cemetery.

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