Craik, Christena

GONE ONTO GLORY     "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine" Isaiah 43:1b   CHRISTENA (ENA) CRAIK, beloved wife of William (Bill) Craik, was suddenly called home into her Savior's presence on March 3, 2023, at the age of 97 years. 

Besides her loving husband Bill, Ena is survived by her children, Eleanor (Vince) Tracey, Douglas (Sharon) Craik, and Nancy (Rob) Mitchell, and the blessings of her seven grandchildren, Shannon Craig, Gillian Dresden, Caitlin, Stuart, Kyle, Riley and Megan Mitchell.  She is also survived by her younger brother, George Russell. 

Ena was born in Commerce, Alberta on January 30, 1926, to George and Margaret Russell.  The family later moved to a farm east of Milk River.  When Ena left home her first job was as the teacher for the children in the community.  She met Bill Craik as a young teenager and they went on many adventures together as part of a group of friends.  She wrote to Bill during his time spent in the war and upon Bill's return, they began dating and were married on December 10, 1948.  They built their family home together and that is where they raised their family and continued to live until she moved on to her eternal home.   Many, many happy memories of celebrations and family time have been made in that "yellow house". 

Mom always had an eagerness to experience new things, which lead her to apprentice at many different hobbies and she mastered them all.  Dad and Mom also square danced for many years which gave them opportunities to travel to many different destinations and make lifelong friends. 

One of her spiritual gifts was hospitality and the "yellow house" had an open-door policy from friends just dropping in for coffee, to helping the stranger on the street, to endless hours spent preparing for large family feasts.  Her love and compassion for the needs of others is what built the foundation of extended family gatherings all through our formative years.  As a Christian, Mom viewed her home as an extension of the Church in that she offered her home in service and love to others. 

Another passion that she was uniquely gifted for was bringing the true meaning of Christmas to life by recreating the streets of Bethlehem in St. Andrew's Church hall.  It brought together the Church family volunteering to make lasting memories for the children.  

Dad and Mom were blessed to be able to go on many different trips together and much family time was spent basking in God's creation.  Camping was a favorite and the memories that were made will be etched in our hearts forever. 

Mom loved her garden and even last summer she continued to tend to her plants and they were able to share the fruits of their harvest with others.  

Another gift God had given Mom was that of empathy - the ability to put herself in another's shoes and show them empathy. 

The greatest gift that she bestowed on us was that of faith.  Their commitment to raising us to know God gave us the faith to seek Jesus on our own, for which we are eternally grateful. 

Even though we were not ready to have her go to her eternal home, God's plans are sovereign and He called her home.  A great void will be left in our family, but there is unspeakable joy bursting from our hearts for the gift of her; first as a daughter of the King, and a wife, sister, mom, aunt, grandma and friend, and we give praise and thanksgiving to God for a life well lived. 

Friends and family are invited to join us in a time of reflection and thanksgiving for a life well lived, at ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 - 5 Avenue South, on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Daniel Surya officiating. 

In lieu of flowers or donations, just as we are forgiven by Christ's completed work on the cross, take the time to reach out to someone you need to forgive and reconcile.