Mary Carol Kraft

Her spirit is carried on by her children, Susan Kraft Daley and Nathan Daley and Steve and Anne Kraft, her grandchildren, Chris and Ting An Daley, Mary Daley, Katie and David Ross, Ryan Kraft, and David and Delani Kraft, and her great grandchildren, Eli and Noah Daley, Caroline and Harper Ross, and Olivia Kraft.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Hugh Kraft, her siblings, Judy Thomas, Dorothy Mullins, Esther Blake, Byron “Barney” Van Meter, and John Van Meter, and her parents, Dora and Byron Van Meter.

In life, Mary shared her love, light, and moxie through the food she cooked and recipes she shared, her love of quilting, and her stories. An active member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mary volunteered to help sew turbans for those undergoing chemotherapy and with Meals on Wheels. We were blessed to learn many lessons in life from Mary, such as how to spread love through a home cooked meal and a handmade quilt or blanket, how to write a proper thank you note, and how to sit down and enjoy a crossword or nightly episode of Jeopardy! During family gatherings, Mary was always quick to lend a hand and was often found in the kitchen preparing meals and helping clean up, even when we all told her to relax. She loved her children and grandchildren deeply, and actively involved herself in their education and lives. Her compassion extended into her professional life as she worked as an assistant to Dr. Pfister at his practice in Charleston, WV and later as an administrative assistant in a dialysis unit in Raleigh, NC. To know her was to love her and to be loved by her was to know love.

Mary was born in Acme, West Virginia, one of six siblings. She was an incredible cook, skilled crafter, patient teacher and mentor, and caring soul. She will be missed and remembered by many, and her spirit lives on in our hearts.

Service for close friends and family will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 2:00pm at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary's name may be directed to Transitions LifeCare, by using the link below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave to favorite memory / story or Mary, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.