Christine A. Craig-Cooke, of Mountaindale Road, Smithfield, died Sunday, September 13, 2015 peacefully and surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Edward D. “Ted”Cooke. They enjoyed 35 wonderful years together.
She is additionally survived by her children: Melanie J. Craig and her wife, Wendy A. Richards of New Gloucester, Maine and Matthew S. Craig and his wife, Melanie L. Craig, of Beavercreek, OH, and her four most precious gifts; her grandchildren: Bradan, Mason, Brycan and Ryan.
Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late William and Madeline (Boudreau) Jillson. She is pre deceased by her adored sister Lucy M. Jillson in 2003 and her cherished sister in law Natalie A. Jillson in 1993. She is survived by her siblings Mrs. Robert (Mary Jennifer) Barnett, Mr. Joel D. Jillson, Ms. Margaret E. Boisclair, Mr. James E. Jillson, Mr. Timothy D. Jillson and Ms. Maureen J. Mailloux. She also leaves behind her loving sister-in-law and husband Mr. and Mrs. Carne and Virginia Carnevel, brother-in-laws Richard and Robert Cooke and many cherished nieces and nephews.
She had been a resident of Smithfield since 1980 and took much pride in serving as an active member of Smithfield Emblem Club #434. Returning to school, she worked and earned her paralegal degree at Johnson and Wales University in 1992. While happily employed for many years as a lease analyst paralegal at the former Fleet Bank in Providence and Boston, she was delighted to take early retirement in 2002 to spend more time with her family.
One could argue that one of the best parts of her life began in 2004 when her first grandson entered her life. While she excelled as a mother, her true calling was revealed when she became a grandmother. As a dedicated “Grammy” of four little boys, she outdid herself on a daily basis showering them with love, wisdom, guidance and loyalty. “As I grew older I thought the best part of my life was over. Then I held my grandchildren and realized the best part of my life had just begun.” In such a short time, she has gifted these young men with a lifetime of memories, laughter, love and comfort. Her legacy lives on through her children and her grandchildren and for that we are eternally grateful.
She was an avid reader who needed to make weekly visits to the East Smithfield Public Library to re-stock her books. She was on a first name basis with the librarians as they helped her fill her bag with books for the week. She instilled her love of reading in her grandchildren who visited the library with her many times. An enthusiastic cross-stich embroiderer, many have her hand-made creations of love in their homes. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing along (often answering before the contestants) with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and playing cards games. Many treasured family memories were created while playing card games together around the family kitchen table.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:30pm in Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Visitation 12:00-2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02908.