Kathleen Sandifer Craig

Kathleen Ann Sandifer Craig died Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness. She was born in Alexandria and lived her adult life in Baton Rouge where she was an educator. She began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as principal of two elementary schools. Kathy was a pioneer of the desegregation task force and director of the magnet program for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system until her retirement in 2003. During her 30-year career, she received many awards for her service to the community and was awarded a key to the city upon her retirement in recognition for her dedicated service. Kathy is survived by her husband of 38 years, C. Duane Craig. She is also survived by her daughters, Jennifer Schwab and husband Ryan, Amy McCormick and husband Matt, and Allison Craig; grandchildren, Daniel and Anna Betts, and Lillian McCormick; parents, Wallace and Betty Sandifer; siblings, Janice Keezel, Elizabeth Hefner and Jim Sandifer and their spouses; a great-aunt and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank doctors Gerald P. Miletello, Robert Amato, Georgia Reine and Lara Falcon, and the staff and nurses of the fifth floor Cancer Center of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center for their special care and the precious gift of time. Since she was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, Kathy was so happy and blessed to witness the birth of her three grandchildren, the joy of her life. Kathy loved spending time with her supportive and loving husband, her beautiful girls, her sweet grandchildren, and her entire family. She also cherished time spent with dear friends and reconnecting with old ones. Words cannot express the gratitude the family feels for the years they have had. Funeral services will be held at University United Methodist Church, where Kathy was a member, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, with a graveside service to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory on Jefferson Highway. There will be a visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.    >