Carol Craig

Carol passed away peacefully, surrounded by the loving care of her family, on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at the age of 81. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ellsworth “Lou” Craig, her brother Alexander H. Mitchell, and her parents Jean Mitchell and Joseph Slusser. Carol is survived by 3 children; her son, Alexander (Linda), her 2 daughters, Sharon (Craig) and Brenda (Chris), and Tuxedo, her special ‘forever puppy’.

Carol graduated from West Pittston High School in Pennsylvania where she played the trombone in the marching band, and would sing the schools’ alma mater on each anniversary with pride! She holds a beautician certificate and knew the lost art of shorthand. Carol met the love of her life (Lou) when they both worked at Barber Ford in Exeter, PA. After moving to NY, she was a secretary at Ogden Hillcrest United Methodist Church. She also worked at the customer service desk at Grand Way in Vestal, NY handling numerous complaints daily while keeping a smile on her face.

Carol always wanted to be a veterinarian and worked part time at various vet offices. In addition to the animals she helped at the vets, she found more ways to be close to animals of all shapes and sizes by volunteering. There were always at least 2 dogs living at the Craig home, but Carol was best known as the ‘Bird Lady’ by many as she saved the lives of countless wild birds as a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator for 30 years. She shared her love of birds, and their importance to all ages, by holding numerous bird programs at nursing homes and schools. Carol retired from Chenango Valley Schools in 2015 after finding joy helping special needs and autistic students to feel empowered and special. Carol was a pitch perfect alto singer who sang in many church choirs, sang duets with Sharon, and knew the words to many hymns which lifted her spirits throughout the years. In her spare time, Carol was also a member of the Garden Club, a Girl Scout leader, helped with Church Refreshments and could always be spotted at Wild Birds Unlimited. Carol lived life with a great sense of humor, such humor she passed onto her son, Alex. She enjoyed cross-stitch, a great mystery book, ceramics and painting, loved sunsets and flowers, and was a survivor of breast cancer and a brain tumor. Carol illustrated a book of poems written by Hazel Ascani, called “Angel on my Shoulder”. Carol’s artistic talent was also enjoyed by her children when she painted a Christmas scene every year as part of the holiday decorations. Carol painted a tree with wildlife animals on Brenda's bedroom wall during her childhood which grew to their shared love for painting.

The family will receive friends at Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church, 918 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 10-11am with a funeral service to follow at 11am. A burial will be held in the Chenango Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those wishing kindly consider donations to your local Alzheimers group.