Susan (Deshler) Craig

Susan Deshler Craig, 78, from Sewickley PA, passed on October 14, 2022, due to complications from a fall including heart failure. She is survived by her husband George H. Craig, Jr., daughter Nancy Garvey (Mike) of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, son Jim Craig (Christine) of Seattle, Washington, sisters Jane Anne Bode of Sapello, New Mexico and Lydia Stang of Reno, Nevada as well as five grandchildren. She was predeceased by one sister, Virginia Waterbury of Beaverton, Oregon. Susan graduated from the Masters School, Dobbs Ferry, New York in 1962, Denison University in 1966 and earned an MA in Education from Xavier University in 1970, becoming a teacher at private and Catholic elementary schools early in her career. In her late forties, she earned CPA certification and became an accountant for local non-profits, including a stint at Carlow College Campus School. Later, she was elected as Borough of Sewickley Heights tax collector and served from 2002 until 2014.

Susan was passionate about supporting community organizations. She served as President of the Child Health Association of Sewickley which produced its third cookbook during her term. She was also a member and president of the Village Garden Club, and a long-standing member of the Grapevine Garden Club. Her proudest achievement was being president of the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Association for 27 years where she was able to combine her love of teaching with her love of nature. She was named "Woman of the Year" by the Sewickley Herald for her conservation efforts. At one point she was also acting Executive Director of Conservation Consultants which helped homeowners with energy audits. In addition, she served on the original board of the Allegheny Land Trust.

She loved to stay physically active through gardening, tennis, kayaking, and sailing. She even took up golf at the age of 74! Susan was also co-hostess of the "Turkey Bowl", an annual event on Craig's field which was inherited when the family moved back to Sewickley in 1979. She would lend her creative talents to the artwork and poetic wording on the invitation as well as the brewing of warm spiced cider.

She leaves behind her sisters in Christ, the ladies of "Koinania", a bible-study and prayer group of the Sewickley Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 22nd, at the Presbyterian Church of Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in her name to the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Association, PO Box 183, Leetsdale, PA 15056 or the Allegheny Land Trust, 416 Thorn St., Sewickley, PA, 15143. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Inc., 328 Beaver St., Sewickley, PA 15143.

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