WILHELMINA CRAVEN

Wilhelmina Wemyss

Laird Craven

Wilhelmina Wemyss Laird Craven, age 91, died peacefully at her home in Wilmington, DE on July 31, 2008.

She was the daughter of William Winder Laird, Sr. and Mary Alletta Belin du Pont Laird who built the house in which Mrs. Craven was born and lived all of her life. She attended Tower Hill School and graduated from The National Cathedral School in Washington, DC. As a young woman, she was a trophy winning tennis and squash player. In 1942 she married David Stewart Craven, II of Salem, NJ and readily shared his enthusiasm in caring for and training dogs. This passion developed into her longtime support of Canine Partners for Life. Early on she not only volunteered her time at the Delaware Memorial Hospital, but she also completely renovated the Pediatric floor, dedicating it in memory of her parents. Her abiding love of family was evidenced in the time and resources she gave to Hagley, Longwood and Winterthur.

She was a long-time supporter of the University of Delaware, Opera Delaware, and the Du Pont Theatre, and was involved on both an institutional and personal level. Mrs. Craven often entertained theatre cast members in her home and was a delighted recipient of Opera DE songs paying tribute to her talents. Her keen eye and appreciation of beauty was exercised in collecting the works of local artists, which she often donated, thus providing a permanent display of art throughout numerous public places. No area was overlooked, from boardrooms to bathrooms. Mrs. Craven spread an extensive swath of beauty in and around Wilmington. Her legacy of generosity and caring on all levels will be remembered.

She is survived by her twin sister, Rosa; her 5 children, David, Marina, Daphne, Phoebe and Sidney; her 6 grandchildren, Alecia, Lee, Lauren, Natalie, Peter and David; and by her great-grandchildren, River and Blake.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Buck Road, Greenville on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hagley Museum and Library, c/o Jill MacKenzie, Hagley Museum, P.O. Box 3630, Wilmington, DE 19807 or the University of Delaware's Goodstay Center, University of Delaware, 2600-2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 to support and maintain the center's flower gardens.

Arrangements by

CHANDLER FUNERAL

HOMES & CREMATORY

www.chandlerfuneralhome.com

(302) 478-7100