Margaret Craig
1929-2021
Margaret Jean (Hill) Craig, December 27, 1929 – October 15, 2021.
It is with sadness but gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Margaret Jean (Hill) Craig. Predeceased by Francis, her loving husband of 57 years, her parents, Douglas and Pearl Hill, her sister, Elizabeth Heinicke and her daughter-in-law, Kerry. Left with fond memories are sister, Dorothy Sly, her children, David (Deborah), John (Heather), Peggy (Peter Bethune), Elizabeth (Henry Daigle), Pat (David Prince), Barb (David Brown) and Doug, 21 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.
Margaret was born in Port Elgin, Ontario, and lived in several small towns in Southern Ontario before the family moved to Toronto while her father served as a Padre with the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. After the war, the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. She subsequently viewed herself as a Westerner, but we all teased her as the "Westerner who had never seen the West". After completing a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in chemistry at the University of Manitoba, she began working at the Beloeil Works plant of CIL, where she met her future husband, Francis. Their first date consisted of a canoe trip on the Richelieu River. They married two years later on June 12, 1954, and were blessed with seven children in quick succession. The family lived in Nobel, Ontario from 1956 to 1960, after which they were transferred back to Beloeil, Quebec, where they lived until 1993. They then retired to New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
Mom was energetic, caring and determined. While in Beloeil she raised seven children, was very active in her church and community, and served as a Brownie leader (Brown Owl) for many years. The daughter of a Presbyterian minister and the wife of a Roman Catholic, she raised a Catholic family while remaining true to her Presbyterian roots and taught us an ecumenical approach before ecumenism became popular. After moving to New Glasgow, she remained active in her church and the community. She served on the Board of Managers for her church and was a member of the Ladies Guild and of two chapters of the AMS. She and Dad were co-presidents of the Highland Squares Dance Club. Most importantly, she was a dearly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed.
Mom, may you rest in peace until we meet again.
The family would like to thank the Careforce team, private caregivers, VON and the staff of the Aberdeen hospital for their compassionate care of Mom.
Cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be conducted at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (The Kirk) in New Glasgow on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 11 am. A reception will follow in the church hall immediately afterwards. A link to a recording of the funeral is below. As per Nova Scotia COVID-19 restrictions, all attendees must wear a mask and show proof of full vaccination and valid id. Donations may be made in her memory to Camp Geddie, PO Box 34, New Glasgow, NS, B2H 5E1, Plan International Canada (www.plancanada.ca), or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.