Mary Jean Craig, 92, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 22, 2020, at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania after a long illness. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, James, who died in 2006. They were married for 49 years.
Born in Scranton on June 25, 1927, Jean was the daughter of the late John and Grace (Butler) Strasburger. Jean grew up in the Hill Section of Scranton and spent many happy summers swimming at Lake Lincoln, going to the movies for a dime and outings with her large extended family.
Jean graduated from Scranton Central High School and Lackawanna Business College. In her earlier years she worked as a secretarial manager for JJ Strasburger Auto-Electric, a family business.
When Jean met Jim and married it was the beginning of a beautiful family. Jean became a stay-at-home mom to five children and devoted her life to her family. She enjoyed her yearly family vacations to Ocean City, Md., watching game shows and movies on television, and listening to operatic pop music. She loved the family pets, especially Casey.
Jean showed incredible grace as she battled chronic health problems during her lifetime, accepting whatever hurdles came her way with quiet strength. She had a sweet personality and wonderful sense of humor.
Jean is survived by sons, James Craig (Mary) and Christopher Craig; daughters, Mary Therese “Terri” Petrillo, Michele Zigga (Eric) and Kathleen Dakin (Pat Domzalski). Also surviving are grandchildren, Christina Dakin,James and Veronica Craig, Camron Craig, Samantha Domzalski and Lionel Diaz; stepgrandchildren, Krysten and Melissa; stepgreat-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and in-laws. In addition to her spouse, Jean was preceded by her son-in-law, Rocco Petrillo; daughter-in-law, Donna Kiddish; brother, John Strasburger; and several in-laws.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Jewish Home, especially the second floor for their kindness and care given to our mother; Compassionate Care Hospice and Elizabeth Dickens, caregiver and family friend for over a decade.
Due to the pandemic and current restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, Scranton on Wednesday, June 24.
Interment took place at Dunmore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania Employee Fund, 1101 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510; or Compassionate Care Hospice, 1444 E. Lackawanna Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447.
Kathleen Harrison
My sincere condolences to Mary Jean’s family. My mother Dorothy Young was Mary Jean’s roommate at The Jewish Home for a short time from August 2019 to January 2020. My mother had her difficulties and Mary Jean could not have been more gracious and understanding. She was always sweet natured and kind, and I will never forget her. My love and prayers to all of her family.