Halina Marion Craig

Halina M. (Ziemianski) Craig, 74 years of age, was born in NYC and died quietly in Charlotte on Friday, December 5, 2014. Widow of Patrick J. Craig, she was the mother of three children, Michael, Kathryn, Elizabeth, and the grandmother (The GMC) of six grandchildren. This first generation poor girl from Manhattan lived a life of accomplishment: she achieved her bachelor's in nursing from Andrews University, her master's in nursing at Rush University and became one of the first recipients of specialty certification in rehabilitation nursing. Halina also went further on to help collaborate and establish award-winning national standards for spinal cord rehabilitation care. Her nursing and rehabilitation skills touched each of her patients throughout her distinguished career. Her experience and knowledge guided and educated the next generation of caregivers in her field. Most importantly, she lived and was loved. Her sense of adventure took her from stage acting to Wall Street to flying lessons, from hurricane dodging and hot air balloons to sand castles and walking the beaches of Sanibel during sunrise. Her creativity brought beauty to her home and family. Her perseverance taught her children to be giraffes and stick their necks out. Her love and strength gave wings to her grandchildren to explore and keep moving forward. We promise to remember to put our feet up and stabilize once in a while - we love you, mom. Per her wishes, no services will be held as her hope is for everyone to continue to live and have the courage to stick their necks out once in a while. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Duke Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine (please write in designation), https://secure.giftrecords.duke.edu/daa, or to Charlotte Region Hospice and Palliative Care, https://hpccr.thankyou4caring.org/. Online condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.