Obituary of Mary Craig

Obituary Mary (Hyde) Craig of Loveland, Colorado passed away on January 8, 2023 joining her husband and love of her life Ed Craig. Mary was born to Charles and Ruth Hyde on February 1, 1929 in Rutland, Vermont, younger sister to Helen and Arthur. Mary’s spirit, quiet stubbornness and independence was apparent from her early years, which she spent on a small dairy farm assisting her parents and siblings. She looked fondly upon these days—despite detesting the outhouses and the taste of cow’s milk. Mary would often hitch a ride home on the cows through the pasture, hopping off just out of her parent’s sight. This was our mom in a nutshell. Gracious, intelligent, quietly stubborn and immeasurably creative and multi-talented. A natural leader, Mary’s compassion, wisdom and sincerity permeated everything she did. Mary graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Elementary Education, finding her passion for teaching the 1st and 3rd grades, first in Windsor, Vermont and then in Boulder, Colorado. Mary’s life shifted course when she met Hugh (Ed) Craig, ex-Navy sailor and physics student at nearby University of Colorado, on a blind date. Though who swept whom off whose feet was always up for debate, the love shared between them never was. They enjoyed a blissful year together before starting a family and welcoming four beautiful children into their lives. After Ed’s graduation, the family moved from Boulder to Northern California for work, and later back to Colorado where they settled for many years in Evergreen before retiring to Loveland, Colorado and long trips in their motor home enjoying nature, reading and doing puzzles. Mary wore many titles in her life—cheerleader to her kids and husband, activity coordinator, passionate quilter, avid bridge and card player, chauffeur, fixer of broken parts, and drier of tears. But most of all, she wore the title of gracious and loving mother, which she wore with great pride. Somehow, she also found time to be active in the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women, to work as Volunteer Coordinator for the Mt. Evans Hospice, to docent at the Evergreen Historical Museum and to volunteer as a school aide, Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. In their later years, Mary and Ed spent their time with family and loved ones. They enjoyed many of life’s changing seasons—from grandchildren and great-grandchildren to large family gatherings to quiet mornings spent on crosswords and puzzles. Through it all, they spent their years fulfilled and at peace, surrounded by many loved ones. Mary was preceded in death by her husband in 2021. She leaves behind her 4 adoring children – Pamela Marshall (Robert) of Wellington, Colorado; David (Laurie) of Olympia, Washington; Sharon Brenner (Steven) of Jay, Oklahoma; George (Kristine) of Conifer, Colorado; 7 grandchildren and a gaggle of great grandchildren. Donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy. Cards may be addressed to Craig Family, c/o S. Brenner, PO Box 450132, Grove, OK 74345. Services