MYRA KRAFT, the wife of Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT, passed away this morning at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. The team released a statement that read in part, “The global philanthropic community and the New England Patriots family have suffered a great loss” (Patriots). In Boston, Bryan Marquard writes the Krafts “took their place among the ranks of Boston’s most influential and generous couples.” Myra Kraft “staffed phone banks for fund-raising drives and made persuasive calls when a cause needed the kind of financial boost only the rich can provide.” She was so involved in philanthropy that “perhaps her biggest worry when her husband bought the Patriots in 1994 was that the large sums of money spent and borrowed would curtail their charitable giving” (BOSTON.com, 7/20). ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said, “Myra Kraft was one of the most influential wives in this league, in terms of really building the character of that team and just the many charitable efforts throughout the community” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 7/20). The Boston Herald’s Ron Borges wrote on his Twitter account this morning, “Condolences to the Kraft Family. Myra Kraft a stalwart for her family, Brandeis, charity and good books. Wonderful lady.” The Houston Chronicle’s Jerome Solomon: “Myra Kraft, a giver in ever sense of the word. Condolences to the Kraft family. A sad day indeed.” Former MLS Revolution F Taylor Twellman: “Today is a very sad sad day. Myra Kraft in '02 when I came to Boston opened her arms to me and made me feel like her son.” Saints FB Heath Evans, who played for the Patriots from ’05-08, wrote, “What made Myra Kraft special? Strong but Tender-hearted/Proud but Humble/Bold but Soft-Spoken/ Extremely blessed but lived to be a Blessing.”
