Theresa A Crane

Somerset, NJ – Theresa Ann Crane (nee Binn), 70, formerly of Plainfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, with her family by her side.

Theresa was a remarkable woman who overcame incredible challenges throughout her life. Born with an atrial defect, a serious heart condition, doctors predicted she would only live five years. Defying the odds, she went on to live a full and vibrant life for 70 years.

A 1973 graduate of Scotch Plains Fanwood High School.  Theresa was known for her strong will and perseverance.  Despite the many obstacles she faced, she achieved her educational goals. Over the years she held various positions of employment, Allstate Insurance, Kmart, and ChildCraft.  Her greatest joys were being the eldest sister, caring for, and offering life experiences to her beloved nieces and nephew.  She treasured the opportunity to share life lessons, offer guidance, and create memorable experiences with them.

Theresa had a vivid imagination and a gift for storytelling that captivated her audience, making them feel as though they were part of her tales.  Her stories were rich with details and emotion, leaving lasting impressions on everyone who had the pleasure of listening.

A woman of deep faith and a believer in Jesus Christ, very much like her mother and grandmother, she expressed her love through acts of kindness, often sending heartfelt notes with a crisp $2-dollar bill tucked inside. She was an avid listener of Jazz and an R&B enthusiast, with an impressive collection of vinyl albums.  She had an uncanny ability to “name that tune in three notes”.  Known for her candid wit, she brought joy to family gatherings, often sharing her humor and wisdom in ways that encouraged others, making everyone laugh while sneaking in the underlying message to do better and be better.

She will be deeply missed by her family for her tenacity, down-to-earth personality, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Theresa leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every moment.

In her own written word:

“Life has not been easy, but as I look back, I say thank you Jesus for the lessons learned, the fun I’ve had and the people that I have passed along my journey called life.”

She leaves a family who loved her dearly and will forever hold her memory close in their hearts: sisters Rita Maurnice Binn and Maranda Hayes; two nieces, Stephanie K. Hayes and Christine M. Smith; a nephew Maurice C. Hayes; great nephew and nieces, Kamren C. Smith, Savannah M. Baldwin and Kimdra H. Smith. 

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Hazel A. Mills (nee Hamlett), Father David G. Binn, and former husband Robert “Yusef Muhammad” Crane.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association.