Marie Theresa Baillache Craig

Marie Theresa Baillache Craig, 79, Mayville, North Dakota passed gently and peacefully into the hands of God on July 2, 2009 after suffering a stroke June 25 at her current residence, The Evergreens, in Fargo. She spent her final days surrounded by family, friends, and a wonderful nursing staff at the MeritCare Palliative Unit.

Theresa was born on August 16, 1929 in Mauritius, a small island located off the coast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean. She was working as a secretary in Durbin, South Africa when she met an American merchant marine by the name of James M. Craig. They were married October 20, 1955.

They made their way to Mayville, and then Clifford where they raised a virtual alphabet. Life was not easy for Theresa, being so far from home combined with the cultural and climatic changes. She spoke fluent French, dressed with a flare, and had a beautiful head of black wavy hair that was admired by many.

After her children were grown she did several years of home health work. She had an overwhelming love for babies, the elderly, and anyone who was down and out. She was a life-long smoker and proud of it, often smoking where she could and more often where she could not.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Jeanne (LaPierre) Baillache, husband James and two brothers, Noel and Edward.

Theresa is survived by her six children, Allison Brenda (Richard) Newman, Mayville, ND, Barbara Bonnie (Terry) Saucke, Fargo, Clyde Benjamin (Robyn) Craig, Fargo, Deborah Brigit Holt, Apache Junction, AZ, Ellaine Blaire Craig, Kent, WA, Frank Benedict Craig, Boise, ID. Seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Brent) Kohls, Mark Newman, all Mayville, Dr. Natalie (Dr.Carson) Muth DC. Grand Forks, ND, Christopher Saucke, Palmdale, CA, Benjamin (Stefanie) Saucke, Courtney (Jon) Person all Fargo, Kendall Craig, Boise, ID. Five great grandchildren: Abby, Julia, Lauren Kohls; Landen Saucke; Brooklyn Person; and a special family friend Deborah Brend, Detroit Lakes, MN. Brothers, Serge, London,England, Louis Clement, Quatre Bournes, Mauritius, Gerald, Cape Town, South Africa, Harve (Maria-Leena) Grand Forks, BC.

Theresa loved bingo, flowers, and going for drives. She often greeted people with a kiss on each cheek, which was the custom where she came from. We will have a celebration of her life on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 4:00pm at Our Lady of Peace Catholic church, Mayville, North Dakota. Interment will be at Clifford, ND.