Obituary of Frances “Bidy” Craig
With great sadness we announce the passing of Frances E. Craig, known to her friends as “Bidy” on Tuesday August 17, 2021 at the grand old age of 103 (1918-2021). Frances was born in the year of the Spanish Influenza and died in the era of covid 19 – remarkable bookends to a remarkable life that saw the Roaring 20’s, the Great Depression, the Second World War, the evolution of technology, industry and lifestyle unimaginable at the beginning of her life.
She was predeceased by her husband the Honorable Mr. Justice Macleod A. Craig and is survived by 3 children JoAnn Hall, George Craig (Judy), Susan Brick (Bill), 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandchildren. She loved them all and took great interest in their lives and enjoyed their company. They reciprocated by coming to see Granny as they looked forward to her interesting activities and fun.
Frances was born in Erith, England, attended school there and was involved in the war efforts as a young bride. Tragically her first husband of 6 weeks was shot down in his Spitfire in the Battle of Britain. But resilience was always Frances’ strength and she met “Mac” – a Canadian and so as a war bride she arrived in Canada in 1945 to make the transition to Canadian life living first in Walkerton then Owen Sound and Toronto, before returning to Owen Sound where she lived comfortably at Kelso Retirement Home with the much appreciated support of staff and also in later years with the extra help and friendship of her friends Wanda Warner and Andrea Ard. Frances enjoyed the Arts, painting, music and other artistic endeavours. She was involved in sports, golfing and curling, her friends and the community. She was an active member of the church. Faith and enthusiasm for this wonderful world sustained her. We celebrate a full and productive life well lived. Frances embraced it all to the end. May she rest in peace.
A private service to celebrate Frances’ life will be held at the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th Street West, Owen Sound on Saturday, August 28th, 2021 with Rev. Roy Nicol-Macdonald officiating. Public visitation will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Interment in Sanctuary Park Cemetery, Port Elgin. With COVID 19 restrictions guests must wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. Although it is private, friends are welcome to view the service at 12:00 noon via livestream on the funeral home website (woodfuneralhome.ca).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Georgian Shores United Church, the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation or the Chapman House Hospice would be appreciated and can be made through the funeral home.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Frances’ online memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frances Bidy
Craig 1918 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Owen Sound, Province: Ontario