Mary Barbara Christiana Craig, 68, of Tillson

Mary Barbara Christiana Craig, 68, of Wallkill Avenue, Tillson, died at home on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, surrounded by her loving family after a heroic battle with cancer.

Born in Queens, N.Y., on Dec. 4, 1947, she was a daughter of the late Marie Saffer Christiana and Clayton Christiana.

Mary was a graduate of Mater Christi High School, Astoria, N.Y. For many years she worked as a legal secretary. She retired from Rondout Valley Central School District as the Director of Technology. Mary’s love for the arts shone through her singing with St. Peter’s Folk Group, her two self-published books, her backyard in which she turned into an oasis, and her photography, to which her family were her favorite subjects. She hosted children from Ireland in the summer months in the 80’s, whom she considered part of her already large family. Other’s were able to experience Mary’s excitable spirit during the holidays where she was known to decorate wholly and dress up appropriately for the occasion. She is remembered for her enormous heart, her quick wit, and her extraordinary kindness.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Lawrence Craig, Sr. She is also survived by her loving children, sons; Lawrence Craig, Jr., and his wife Cynthia of Tillson, Clayton Craig and his wife Stacy of Cranford, N.J., and daughters Tara Nee and her husband Thomas of Tillson and Stacy DiFabio and her husband Luca of Garwood, N.J. Mary is also survived by eight grandchildren and her brothers, James Christiana of Tillson and Dennis Christiana of Glendale.

Friends may call at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Church in Rosendale 10 a.m. Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations sent to Hospice of Ulster County, 400 Aaron Court, Kingston, N.Y., 12401, or the Ulster County SPCA 20 Wiedy Road, Kingston, N.Y., 12401. (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)