Our beloved Carmen Maria Croghan, 82, of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, died on October 15, 2025 after living a long and wonderful life. 

Carmen was born on August 9, 1943 in Orlando, Florida to the late John and Catherine Josephine Odom. Carmen loved Elvis, old country music, pastoral landscape paintings, classic American-style sportswear, glamorous evening gowns, and the history and artistry of makeup. She had exquisite handwriting and practiced calligraphy. The scent of gardenias enthralled her. She enjoyed watching the NY Yankees play and win. Praying the rosary daily filled her life with meaning. Everyone who knew her experienced her great natural beauty, charm, and mischievous sense of humor. She had a deep love for every dog she cared for in her life. Her commitment to their well-being was passionate and life-long. 

A true romantic at heart, Carmen met and was engaged to her future husband of thirty-five years, Paul Lynn Croghan, while they were very young. Fate intervened and separated them for a spell, only to reunite them later in life. Together they rekindled their love for each other while building their lives first in Carson City, Nevada, then in Arnold, Nebraska, and for the last ten years in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Carmen and Paul loved to play golf, spend time with their dogs, and to watch the NY Yankees play baseball. 

Carmen is survived by her husband Paul Lynn Croghan, her children from a previous marriage Tamara, Matthew, and Lauren, her grandchildren Mae and Emma, her step-children Holly and Ty, her step-grandchildren Kelsi, Carter, Camryn, Chase, and Claire, and her step-great-grand-children Blakeli, Bryer, Brynli, Hudson, and Harper, and her two beloved dachshund dogs Sonny and Shady. 

Carmen’s beauty, style, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. 

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mrs. Croghan.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.