Myra Kraft, the wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, has died at age 68 of cancer. Mrs. Kraft, who was known for her charitable work, will be missed by her family, friends, Patriots staffers and fans and those many groups she so tirelessly helped out.
In a statement released by the Patriots it says, “Words can not express the deep sorrow that we feel in learning of the passing of Myra Hiatt Kraft. Myra passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. We are all heartbroken. The global philanthropic community and the New England Patriots have suffered a great loss.”
Public services will be held for Mrs. Kraft on Friday July 22 at the Temple Emmanuel, 385 Ward Street in Newton MA. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. The family has requested in lieu of flowers donations should be made in Mrs. Kraft’s name to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston’s Myra Kraft Giving Back Scholarship Fund.
Mrs. Kraft chaired the boards of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and the Boys and Girls Club’s of Boston. She also served on the boards of her alma mater Brandeis University, The Boston Foundation, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the American Repertory Theater, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Facing History and Ourselves, a Holocaust education organization. She also managed the Robert and Myra Kraft Family Foundation and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
She was so worried in 1994 when he husband bought the Patriots, that the purchase would curtain their the charitable gifts they gave. Instead their philanthropic giving increased along with the success of the franchise.
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Many current and former Patriots players and staffers offered condolences via statements or Twitter. Among them was head coach Bill Belichick whose statement read, “On behalf of the entire Patriots football operation, we mourn the passing of Myra Kraft. As much support as her quiet but unmistakable presence provided us in the competitive arena and as much as I will personally miss her warm embraces before and after each game, Myra shined in a much brighter arena. In the humanitarian arena, her generosity through philanthropy was admired and appreciated by all. She made a permanent impression on hundreds of coaches, players, staff and our families as a model of grace, strength and giving. Myra’s vision and example will impact and remain very much with our team forever.”
Defensive captain lineman Vince Wilfork on Twitter: “A wonderful life lost Luv ya Myra ‘momma’.”
Linebacker Jerod Mayo: “I am extremely saddened by the passing of Myra Kraft. (She) has been a mainstay in the community and Patriots family. Her giving spirit along with her countless random acts of kindness and philanthropy will continue to be a legacy remembered.
Former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak on Twitter said: “Sad day for all in Patriot Nation. Myra Kraft will be missed by all connected to this franchise. She did so much good for so many people.”
Former wide receiver Donte Stallworth on Twitter: “Great family, great ownership that really cares about EVERY player! My condolences to the Krafts.”
Mrs. Kraft is survived by her husband Robert, and four sons, Jonathan, Daniel, Josh and David and their families.
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