Barbara Ann Craig

Barbara Ann Craig, age 88, passed away in comfort and peace on January 9th, 2023. She died at home in the loving care of her family. She is preceded in death by parents Edwin and Virginia Lea, brother Norman Paul Lea, and her beloved daughter Paula Ann Craig. She is mother to Brian (Francine), Jeffrey (Dominique), Alan, Jill (Mark) Willette, Paula Craig, and Leane (Steve) Tyska. She is grandmother to Colin, Avery, Frances, Sylvia, and Esmé.

Barbara was born in Chicago, IL on November 3, 1934. Barbara grew up in Harwood Heights and attended St. Roberts Bellarmine primary school and Notre Dame High School. She attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Chicago and graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 1955.

Barbara met Grantland Craig, brother of her nursing school roommate Muriel Higgins (Craig), and they were married three years later on June 23, 1956. Barbara was a devoted wife to Grant for almost 67 years and wonderful mother to her 6 children. She was a lifelong advocate of healthy food and nutrition and was an inventive and incredible cook. Barb loved sewing, crocheting, quilting, playing piano, golf, and cross country skiing. She was a talented painter in watercolor and Norwegian rosemaling. Barbara was also an avid reader and a member of the Avila Bookclub. Barbara worked as a surgical nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay for twenty years and was a dedicated volunteer in Junior Women’s Club, Catholic Women's Club, Paul's Pantry, and House of Hope among other volunteer projects. In her retirement, she continued volunteering as a visiting nurse for Unity Hospice.

Barbara lived with grace and joy despite the challenges of Parkinson’s. The Craig family is forever grateful to St. Vincent Hospital, Prevea St. Mary’s, Home Instead, and Unity Hospice for their kind, loving and compassionate care. With the help of her wonderful caregivers and especially the support of her son Alan, Barbara was able to live her final years comfortably and happily at home.

A memorial service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Sunday, January 22nd at 2771 Oakwood Drive in Green Bay at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. Please consider making a donation in Barbara Craig’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Visit simplycremationgb.com to send an online condolence.