Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, John M. Craig, Sr; parents, Albert and Rose Sutter; sisters, Ada May, Helen, Rosemary and Sara; granddaughter, Christine and grandson, Dale. Dorothy is survived by three daughters, Sandy Umphress (George), Sharon Shuey (Dave) and Anne Craig; six sons, Albert Craig, Timothy Craig (Candy), Matthew Craig, Jamie Craig (Tonya), Jack Craig (Joanie) and Christopher Craig “the favorite” (Sharon); 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2.5 great-great grandchildren and her beloved cat, Mowgli.
Dorothy was a lifelong devout Catholic and along with John, a founding member of St. Gregory’s the Great Catholic Church. There she was a member of the choir, Women’s Club, a Sacristan, and Eucharistic Minister. Much of her life revolved around church activities.
Dorothy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1929 to the late Albert and Rose Sutter. After graduating from Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, WV, Dorothy joined the Navy and met John while stationed in New York. They met for their first date on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The two were married in 1953 and relocated via the Navy, to the Hampton Roads area. Dorothy was the loving matriarch of a tight-knit family totaling 48.5 members (one on the way). As if raising 9 kids was not enough, she worked for many years with Virginia Beach City Public Schools then Roche/Lab Corp, where she retired in 1999. Mom’s generous heart was not only felt by each and every family member, but by numerous friends.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory the Great at 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462 with burial following at Rosewood Memorial Park. Please visit www.KellumFuneralHome.com to leave a message of condolence for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to The Alzheimer’s Association or Catholic Charities of Virginia.
