Mary Craig

Mary (Bell) Craig, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 12, 2010, at the age of 84 years. She was the beloved wife of the late Ray Craig, and loving mother of Anice Elliott of Lethbridge, and Bill (Linda) Craig of Calgary. She also leaves to mourn four grandchildren - Ryan Elliott, Candice Elliott, Reagan Craig and Robyn Craig; one sister, Violet (Eric) Buchan of Consett, England; numerous nieces, nephews and many loving friends. She was predeceased by her husband Ray, infant son Clayton Russell, and two sisters - Doreen Ferguson and Ina McCaig.

Mom was born December 2, 1925 in Easington, County Durham, England, the second of four daughters of William Bell and Robina (Nicholson) Bell. She had a happy childhood with her three sisters. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) and served for two years before meeting a young Canadian soldier, our dad Ray Craig, whom she married on June 25, 1945, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Eleven months later, she was one of many War Brides who immigrated to Canada. Dad and Mom settled in Cranbrook, BC, and welcomed daughter Anice and son Bill. Dad's military career took them to Germany and Mom was able to maintain a close bond with her family. When Dad was stationed in Egypt, we lived in England with Nana and Poppa Bell. After Dad's military service ended, they settled initially in Coaldale, and finally in Lethbridge. Mom became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1970, and served faithfully in many capacities. Mom worked for 19 years at the University of Lethbridge as a librarian.

Mom was the very center of her family, giving unconditional love and unwavering support. She gave her children and grandchildren a curiosity for life and a confidence to go ahead and test the rules. She had a great love of reading, music and dancing, and enjoyed every moment to the fullest. We will miss her Craig cookies, knitted sweaters, her smothered steaks, the yearly Christmas craft created at Relief Society, the best meat pies and pickles, her contagious smile, her twinkling eyes, her sense of humor. She was our mother, our grandmother, and our best friend.

We would like to thank all of the staff at Cottage 6 at Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village for their love and care to Mom and to all of us over the past three years.

Family and Friends may pay their respects between 7:00 and 9:00 pm on Friday, September 17, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

Interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta.