Monica Ann Craig

     Monica Ann Craig, age 71, of St. Johns, MI, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at University of Michigan -Sparrow, Lansing, Michigan.
      A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Parish, Westphalia, MI, on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia, MI. Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, Westphalia, MI, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 22, 2024. A Rosary will be prayed on Sunday Evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral chapel.
     Monica was born in St. Johns, Michigan on September 12, 1953, the daughter of Lawrence Francis and Mary Frances (Mach) Nemcik of Bannister, Michigan. She graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the Class of 1971. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Lansing Community College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University in 1986. On September 9, 1972, Monica married Robert Gale Craig at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Bannister, MI. They recently celebrated their fifty-second anniversary.
     Monica loved her family and devoted her life to them. She was always present for her grandchildren's events. She was a wonderful cook and liked to celebrate the holidays with special meals. Monica enjoyed family time up north during summer vacations. She and Bob loved spending time in Leelanau County together. Monica was a secretary for Gov. John Engler and several other State Departments. She retired as a secretary for the Michigan State Police. She was proud Spartan alum and a lifelong fan.
     She is survived by her husband Bob, son Aaron (Susan) Craig of Hamilton, OH; daughter Mary (Andy) Nurenberg of Westphalia, MI; nine grandchildren: Hudson, Drew, Jackson, Eli, Vivian, Claire, Elise, Henry, and Charles; her sister Jean Bates, sisters-in-law: Dodie Nemcik and Marcia Nemcik, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Bob Nemcik, and Larry Nemcik, and brother-in-law Charles Bates.
     The family requests that memorials be made to St. Mary's Catholic School, Westphalia, MI; Capital Area Community Services - Food Bank in St. Johns; St. Johns Area Community Fund; or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.