Mary Elizabeth Craig RN

Mary Elizabeth Craig, RN February 10, 1921 - April 25, 2014 Mary Elizabeth Craig, born February 10, 1921, was the firstborn to Francis Edward Craig and Clara Marie Schoepf in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. The oldest of five children, Mary had one sister, Dorothy Jane, and three brothers: David Edward, Francis Raymond (Ray), and Donald Jack. In her youth, because Mary was a very bright student, she was advanced a year in Linwood Elementary School skipping 4th grade to 5th. Mary’s singing talent, a high soprano, gave her many opportunities to perform in church, school and community choirs, securing many solo privileges and making her parents very proud. She and her sister performed duets at a variety of venues. After graduating from Perry High School, Mary was accepted into the Allegheny Nursing School class of 1942. Her career took a direction in blood work, and she became the head nurse and director of the blood bank at Columbia Hospital where she worked for 30+ years. One of her most treasured experiences was when she was privileged to assist Dr. Jonas Salk by prepping the young recipients of his polio vaccine. Her photo was shown in Look Magazine as a result. She was a member of the Eastern Star and also contributed many volunteer hours to the American Legion for which her father was a well-known leader. Every year for many years, she would make hundreds of poppies by hand to display in local businesses or to sell in support of the military and in honor of veterans. Additionally, she assisted with fund raisers, often dinners served at the local American Legion Hall. Mary loved the Lord and doing good. The family attended St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Federal St. all of her life until she moved to her townhouse in Allison Park, at which time she joined St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She served as president of the Board of Directors of the St. John's Care Home Auxiliary for over 10 years and organized trips to various historical sites or theater performances throughout the state. She was also responsible for an annual fundraiser (Hoagie Sandwiches) to benefit St. John’s Specialty Care Center to provide gifts and prizes for the residents. Mary enjoyed life traveling, caring for and helping others, serving in her church, eating at nice restaurants, being with children, and dogs, especially her Toy Poodle, Mimi. Though she never had children, she treated her three nieces and two nephews like they were her own taking them shopping, on trips, and on a variety of outings. She appreciated good food and had a sweet tooth that welcomed ice cream and most anything milk chocolate. In 2011, Mary’s life changed immensely after falling on ice and breaking her hip while unloading her groceries in the cold of early spring. In a very short time during her recovery, her home, household items, and car were sold; her driver’s license terminated; and she was moved to Oregon to live with family where she maintained a positive attitude and enjoyed the last few years of her life. Mary brought great joy to those around her, made friends easily, and enjoyed parties and social activities of varying types. She was a true blessing to all who knew her and is loved by all. Mary will be missed and remembered fondly. Survived by her nieces and nephews, Barbara (Gary) Palmer of OR, John Francis (Debbie) Froehlich of Pittsburgh, Maribeth (Steve) Forrey of OR, C. Barbara (Walter) Mann of MI, & Frank David (Dana) Craig of Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in memory of Mary E. Craig, RN to: St. John’s Specialty Care Center Resident Activity 500 Wittenberg Way Mars, PA 16046