Shirley A. Craig

Shirley A. Craig, 76, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully at Aultman Hospital in Canton on Sunday, October 30, 2011 with her family at her side, following a brief illness.

Born February 21, 1935 in Pittston, PA, she was the daughter of the late James and Julia Terry of Hughestown, PA. On June 8, 1957, Shirley married James E. Craig Jr. of Houston, PA, with whom she celebrated over 50 years of marriage until his death in April, 2008.

Shirley was a 1955 graduate of the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Kingston, PA. During a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Shirley's passion for nursing touched upon all aspects of patient care, from obstetrics to geriatrics. She was a part of several cutting edge nursing initiatives, including the first Stroke Intensive Care unit in the US, and one of the nation's first Burn Trauma units. She was a nurse for all the right reasons at a time when nursing was really "hands on", and a great many lives were touched by her caring dedication to her patients.

A loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Rebecca Craig of New Philadelphia; a sister Julie (Robert) Plishka of Old Forge, PA; uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren; Sean Craig, a law student at Washington University in St. Louis, and Shelby Craig who follows in Shirley's footsteps as a nursing student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

After their retirement, Shirley and Jim relocated to New Philadelphia to be closer to their family. Shirley became an avid supporter of Union Hospital and an active member of the Union Hospital Auxiliary. She also enjoyed working on weekends at the Hospital's Corner Shop, where many experienced her kind manner and her generously-sized milkshakes.

Shirley was a woman of character, strength and humility, who most enjoyed the pleasures of home and family. Countless family memories originated around her table. Loving, kind and generous, she will be sadly missed and by all who knew and loved her.

Public calling hours will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover, with a Christian wake service at 7:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Philadelphia with Father Jeff Coning officiating. Private interment at Sacred Heart Calvary Cemetery will be at a later time.

Those wishing to express their sympathy or fond memories of Shirley may do so by visiting the online obituaries link on the funeral home's web site at www.tolandherzig.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's name to the Union Hospital Auxiliary, 659 Boulevard, Dover, OH 44622; or to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third St. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com