Eileen Craig

Mar 29, 1936 -

Oct 20, 2023

Eileen M. Craig, 87, passed away on Oct. 20, 2023, at Concord Estates Assisted Living in Murrieta, Calif., after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.

Eileen was born on March 29, 1936, in San Francisco, Calif., to Eileen and Harold Rose. Eileen was a twin to her sister Shirley and they were raised by their much-loved father. In 1954, she graduated from Capuchino High School in San Bruno, Calif. After high school, Eileen worked a variety of clerical jobs before starting a family.

Eileen met her husband of 33 years in San Francisco. They moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1967, where Thomas worked as Director of Maintenance for Alaska Helicopters. After getting settled in Anchorage, Eileen worked for JCPenney and then with the State of Alaska, retiring from DVR in 1991. After the death of her husband, Eileen settled in Palmer, Alaska, where she met many wonderful friends and enjoyed all the activities Palmer had to offer, such as watching parades and Friday Flings.

Eileen was a devoted, loving, caring wife and mother. She would say "I am never focused on being stressed, but rather how blessed I am." Eileen loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and friends. Planning holiday meals and family gatherings truly brought joy to her heart. She navigated life with grace and compassion, she loved Alaska with its beautiful mountains and wildlife, especially the moose that would roam into her yard.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. Craig; parents, Eileen and Harold Rose; sister, Shirley Delker; brother, Harold Rose; and son-in-law, Douglas Smith. She is survived by her children, Glenn (Carolyn) Helmuth of Wasilla, Alaska, Brenda H. Smith of Anchorage, Brad (Mary) Craig of Monroe, Ore., Lorraine (Michael) Stewart of Palmer, and Audrey Moran of Temecula, Calif.; grandchildren, Jason (Kate Wheeler) Pickens, Candice (Kevin) Weiss, Thomas (Sarah) Helmuth, Cory (Kelsey) West, Cassandra (Dom) Nickles, Reanna Stewart and Connor Moran; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Eileen will be laid to rest with her husband at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in summer 2024. A memorial announcement will be posted prior.