Marie Gladys Kraft
Dan McClelland
Marie was an amazing woman. Anyone who had the privilege to have known her would certainly attest to that. She was funny, very hard working, thoughtful and kind.
Marie was born to Leon and Gladys Savard on April 18, 1927 in Tupper Lake. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 26, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
After graduating from Tupper Lake High School, she worked for a local American Legion Camp, where she met her husband Robert Kraft.
Together they had six children, Jerome Kraft (Brenda Osterhoudt), John Kraft (Diane Parmer and later Amy) who all passed away previously, Michael Kraft (Stella Miller), Randy Kraft (Debra Meridith), Susan Varden (Eric Varden), and Dean Kraft (Lisa Ramsey). She was also a proud grandmother and great grandmother and she traveled to see as many of the new born babies as she could.
The family Marie and Robert started has turned into a large extended family, for which she was the accepted matriarch.
Marie was a supreme care-giver to many, and in many instances sacrificed her own interests with her endeavors to help others. You could always rely on Marie to make the most altruistic support. Of course she would have never admitted to any personal sacrifice, because she was the type of person who felt that it was her responsibility to share her fortunate abilities with others.
Marie was also a master of many trades. She never thought of herself as exceptionally talented but she was. She was an excellent cook and baker. She is one of the only people known who could take a bottle of ketchup, syrup, potatoes, and make an emaculate meal. She also made great sauces, everything had to have a sauce or it would be incomplete.
Marie also mastered a number of other skills such as upholstery, sewing clothes, drapes, tables clothes, etc. She also crafted floral arrangements, tried her hand at landscape and still life painting, was a league bowler, and played bridge with her good friends for over 40 years.
It was only appropriate and with gratitude and privilege that her family was available to care for her in her final days and support her transition from her final journey to a new beginning. Marie was able to live with two of her children during the past six years surrounded by their families. She is now at peace and finally with the many people she lost along the way. She will be sadly missed but you can be assured she will continue to watch over all of those who are part of her everlasting legacy.