Obituary of Mary B. Craig
South Hadley- Mary Bridget Craig (92) of South Hadley was peacefully called to heaven on July 26, 2023 at her residence, Linda Manor. She was born on October 18, 1930 in Cambridge. She grew up with her three sisters at Houghes Neck in Quincy. Mary graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Weymouth, MA. She met her husband, Frederick Craig, on a blind date. They wed in 1950 and were together until Fred’s passing in 2019. Fred and Mary spent their early years of marriage in Andover before moving to South Hadley in 1962.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Fred, her son Warren, and her daughter-in-law Kirtley. She will be deeply missed by her seven surviving children, Fred Jr., Joanne Vercollone (Leo), Stephen (Adrianne), Thomas (Christine), Robert, James (Elvira), and David (Meighen), along with her 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Mary was a devout member of St. Theresa’s Parish in South Hadley. In addition to being an active member of the church’s Women’s Group, she also taught CCD and was a coordinator for Eucharistic Adoration. Mary cared deeply for her community - she was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a Town Meeting member, and was active with the Friends of Buttery Brook. She worked for the Department of Labor and Westover Air Force Base (ARB) and retired in 1996 as a Secretary for the Commander of the 439th OG.
Mary was known for spontaneously breaking into song at gatherings with her sisters, snowbirding in Naples, FL with her daughter, cheerleading at her grandchildren’s sporting events, and caring deeply for those around her. Mary lived a full life, and she enjoyed recounting her life stories in a weekly writing group while living at Providence Place in Holyoke, MA.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, August 2nd, from 4-8pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home on Thursday, August 3rd, at 9am for a procession to St. Theresa's Church for a Funeral Mass at 10am. The burial will be privately held at a later date. Donations in Mary’s name can be sent to Fisher House of Amherst, MA., Hospice@fisherhome.org or a charity of your choice.
