Irene M Craig

August 19, 1936 – August 15, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Irene Mary Craig on August 15, 2025, surrounded by her family, just 4 days before her 89th birthday. She was the beloved wife of the late John “Jack” for 68 wonderful years.

Irene was a loving mother to James (Suzie Patrick) Craig, Barbara Craig, and Nancy (Nigel) Jervis. She was a cherished Nanny Irene to Adam (Zoe) Jervis and Matt Jervis, “bonus grandma” to Shane Patrick, and a Great Nanny Irene to Isla Willow Jervis.

Born in Detroit on August 19, 1936, to John and Mary Kozlowski, Irene lived a life marked by kindness, adventure, and devotion to her family. She volunteered for 35 years in the gift shop at St. John Macomb Hospital in Warren. Always eager to learn, she embraced technology, taking computer classes, emailing friends, making flyers for her Red Hat group, texting photos, and even FaceTiming with long-distance loved ones.

Irene and Jack shared a love of travel that began with a five-year plan to see the United States with their three children in a station wagon and camper, a journey that took them through 48 states. That adventure grew into decades of exploring with the Nomads Travel Club and on their own, including the homelands of their grandparents, eventually visiting 46 countries and making lifelong friends along the way. After Jack’s passing in 2003, Irene continued to travel with her children and friends, never losing her sense of adventure.

Family traditions were at the heart of Irene’s life. She was a wonderful cook and baker, known for recipes passed down, dishes she created herself, and her famous desserts. For more than 55 years she hosted Wigilia on Christmas Eve, preparing a traditional Polish feast and setting a long, festive table for more than 35 members of the Craig and Wits families. The evening always included a visit from Santa and belting out carols around the player piano. She also delighted in decorating Easter eggs (pisanki), a tradition she lovingly carried on from her Mother.

Above all, Irene lived with an open heart. She filled each day with laughter, generosity, and love. She leaves behind her family and friends, who will forever carry forward her example of compassion, joy, and making every day count.

Visitation will take place on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:00 PM at D.S. Temrowski Funeral Home 30009 Hoover Road Warren, Michigan 48093.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Parish, 8075 Ritter St, Center Line, MI 48015, instate at 11:30 AM, followed by Mass at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Irene’s memory by embracing life’s adventures and sharing kindness with others, just as she did every day.

For those who wish to make a contribution, two organizations especially close to her heart were DogAide (https://www.dogaide.com/donations.html ) and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen (https://www.cskdetroit.org/ways_to_give/monetary_gifts ).

The family is deeply grateful for your love, support, and prayers during this time.