Marianne Croghan
102, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Richmond Heights, Marianne was the eldest daughter of Arthur and Kitty Kirchner. She grew up alongside her brother, Arthur Jr. (Buddy), and her sister, Peggie Hegeman. Marianne graduated from Nerinx Hall High School in 1941 and earned her teaching degree from Harris Teachers College. She married her high school sweetheart, Vincent Croghan Sr., in November 1946 after his four years of service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She had just begun teaching third grade when they wed, but was forced to leave the classroom under policies of the era that barred married women from teaching.
The couple settled in Crestwood and raised five children. When Vince passed away from melanoma at age 40, Marianne faced the challenge of raising five children, ages 3 to 13, on her own. With quiet determination, she took the helm of Commerce Litho, the printing company Vince had co-founded. Under her leadership, the company thrived and continues today as Commerce Color, more than 50 years later. Three of her children built their careers there, and Marianne herself remained active until age 90.
In her later years, Marianne was a beloved resident of Bethesda Orchard, where she sang in the glee club, played Rummikub, and never missed a chance to make a new friend. Her dear friend Rosemary Kurtz said it best: “Marianne Croghan is the most positive person I have ever known.
Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Kitty Kirchner; her brother, Arthur Jr. (Buddy); her husband, Vincent Croghan Sr.; and her eldest son, Vincent Croghan Jr., father of four, who passed in February 2026 from complications of Alzheimer’s. She is survived by her sister, Peggie Hegeman; her four children: Kitty Wilson of Kansas City, mother of five; Ann Relling of St. Louis, mother of one; Thomas Croghan of St. Louis, father of two; and Jeanne Sullivan of St. Louis, mother of two. Her legacy lives on through her 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and their families.
Services: Please join us for Marianne Croghan’s Celebration of Life Mass on Tuesday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer, 17 Joy Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Bethesda Hospice appreciated.
As one family member remarked, Marianne has gone on to join her Vinces. May they rest together in eternal peace.
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Chrissy says
May 7, 2026 at 7:14 pmThank you for trusting me in Marianne’s care. I was honored to know her and be her hospice nurse and I will truly miss her. I always looked forward to my Friday afternoon visits with her, as it was the best way to end my work week. She made me smile and laugh. I enjoyed the conversations I had with her. She earned her pink glitter angel wings and her mansion in heaven with the pool and tennis court. Keeping the family and friends of Marianne in my prayers.
Mary Jo and George says
May 7, 2026 at 11:19 amWe both send our sincere condolences to Kitty and all the Croghan family. I agree that Marianne was one of the most positive people I’ve met. I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with her. We see that same positive attitude in our friend Kitty every day. May memories of her smile and grace be with all of you.