CRAIG, Vitaline (Vicki)
July 3, 1922 - Jan. 25, 2011
Marie Vitaline Yvonne Craig, nee Gauthier, passed away peacefully at Menno Hospital in Abbotsford BC, 11 months after her beloved husband Walter's passing. She is survived by siblings Estelle (Perrin) of Ste. Anne, MB, Sister Thérèse of Sherbrooke, PQ, Father Azarie of Winnipeg, Celine (Wozniak) of Kaslo, BC, as well as several nephews and nieces. Close friends, George and Grace Bird, of West Vancouver and stepson, Eric Walker, and his partner, Andrea, of Coquitlam were at Vicki's bedside during her final days. Vitaline was predeceased by her parents, Conrad and Jeanne (Champagne) Gauthier and siblings, Annette, Cyprien, Ligouri, and Éveline.
Vitaline was born in Ste. Adolphe, Manitoba and raised in St. Boniface. She graduated from teachers training college and taught for many years, mostly in Trail, BC. Vitaline married Walter Herbert Craig in 1954. The couple enjoyed a devoted, loving relationship for 56 years. They took pleasure in their lakeside property in the Kootenays for many years, boating, fishing, and visiting with friends across Canada before retiring and moving to Abbotsford. Residents of Garden Park Tower in Abbotsford for more than 20 years, they enjoyed cruises that took them to most areas of the world, even an around the world cruise. Vitaline and Walter were full of stories of their various trips and kept in touch with old friends and the new friends they made. She had a reputation for her sewing and wonderful cooking.
Vitaline was hospitalized in extended care of the Menno Hospital in Abbotsford soon after Walter in 2009. They were fortunate that they were able to share a room and her only complaint about the loving care of Menno Hospital staff was that the couple couldn't share a bed! Walter passed away on February 24, 2010.
Vitaline will be remembered in prayers at the 9 AM Mass on Feb. 26 at the St. Ann's Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Avenue, Abbotsford, BC. In lieu of flowers and in recognition of the care received, Vitaline would have preferred that there be donations to the Menno Place Hospital, Abbotsford, BC.