Mary Richardson Craigs

Mary Richardson Craigs, 82
     CAPE ELIZABETH -- Mary Richardson Craigs, 82, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away on Dec. 1, in her home after a valiant two year struggle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren.
     Born to Harold Merle and Elizabeth Bartlett Holmes in Waterville, Mary graduated from Lawrence High School in Fairfield.
     Mary worked for thirty-three years in hospitals and doctors' offices. Along with her late husband, Ervine L. Richardson Sr., she operated Richardson's Camps on Little Sebago Lake for fourteen years.
     Mary was an active member of the People's United Methodist Church in South Portland. She was a past member of the Rebecca's in Portland, a charter member of the King's Daughters at Woodford's Church and a member of the United Methodist Women's Club in South Portland. She was a member and officer of the Golden Club of the Osteopathic Hospital of Maine and Brighton Medical Center, as well as the Crossroads Garden Club.
     Mary was a voracious reader, an avid Democrat, a crossword puzzle fan, a devoted friend and grandmother, and a lover of life. She enjoyed painting, a recently acquired passion. She loved and was loved by her neighbors on Pleasant Avenue.
     Mary was predeceased by two husbands, Ervine L. Richardson Sr., and Harold C. Craigs. She also was predeceased by a sister, Eileen; and brothers, Harold and David Holmes. Mary is survived by a sister, Priscilla Shannon, of Torrington, Conn. Mary is survived by a son, Ervine L. Richardson Jr.; and two daughters, Mary R. Nightingale and JoAnne Pritchard. Mary Nightingale and her husband, Richard, reside in Rockport. JoAnne Pritchard and her husband, Larry, reside in Gorham. Thomas Craigs of Vermont and Bonnie Craigs of Old Orchard Beach are Mary's step-children. Five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren survive Mary, Beth Nightingale and her husband Steve Pennisi of Cape Elizabeth, Stacy Belley and her husband Eric of Rockport, Erik Richardson who she loved and treated as a son and his wife Heather of Westbrook, Matthew Pritchard of Biddeford, and Sarah Russo and her husband Tim of Gorham, Lisa Craigs and Michael Craigs of California. Six great-grandchildren include Nicholas, Marc, Brendan, Ethan, Michael, and David.
     A celebration of Mary's life will occur at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the People's United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland. Interment will occur after this winter at the Green Cemetery in Fairfield. Arrangements are by the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.
    Those who wish may make
    donations to:
    VNA Home Health Care
    50 Foden Road
    South Portland, Maine 04106
    or to:
    Safe Passage
    P.O. Box 663
    Yarmouth, Maine 04096
    www.safepassage.org
    Mary Richardson Craigs