Russell & Kathleen Craig

Russell and Kathy were both born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1958 and 1965 respectively, where they eventually met through siblings and friends. Kathy often told her daughters that it was “love at first sight.” They married May 26, 1989, and were joined that same year by their eldest daughter Margaret and by their second daughter Elizabeth in 1991. They raised and built their family in Stafford, Virginia, while remaining connected to their family in Michigan.

Russell graduated from Wayne State University in 1984. He spent his entire distinguished career working as a lawyer in the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where he became the Associate Chief to the General Litigation Division. He loved his work, and received numerous awards and accolades throughout over 31 years of his career. Russell loved history, and would spend time walking through Fredericksburg with his family, where he would expound upon the history and significance of the towns many landmarks from the American Revolution and Civil War. He enjoyed Drambuie, a roaring fireplace, laughing and spending time with friends and family.

Kathy graduated from Madonna College in 1987 as a registered nurse. She started her career at Wyandotte Hospital, Michigan, in Intensive Care and then at St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital in Recovery. She then moved to Virginia where she largely worked in hospice. She rose throughout her career to become the Director of Nursing at Capital Caring Health. Kathy is remembered as being resolute, confident, and caring with those she worked with and helped. Kathy loved pineapples and hospitality, and she opened her home to many. And she loved peanut butter cups, being by the ocean, and doting on but not spoiling her two daughters.

Russell and Kathy led immensely full lives as they built a home together. They had the ability to endear themselves to almost everybody they met with their zeal for life and by opening their lives and their home to others. In the year 2020, Kathy and Russell entered the beginning stages of planning their retirement by beginning to build a home by the sea for the next part of their life together. It was easy to tell that they were excited to start this chapter of their lives.

They are survived by their daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth, as well as three sisters and one brother, a mother, as well as many, many friends. A small private service will be held Monday, June 15th. A larger celebration of their lives will be announced at a later date.