Marion Margaret Craig

Marion Craig’s life was full and meaningful. She taught hundreds of children in Maine and in the Portland Public Schools from 1938 through 1979. she was a survivor of the Vanport flood. She was a volunteer for the Oregon Symphony Women’s Association for many years. Her passion and major activity was helping with children’s programs. Marion was featured as a North Portland pioneer in Trimet’s booklet “Intersections” in 2003. She was honored at ceremonies at the opening of the Vanport Station on the North Portland line.

Born Marion Margaret Marino in Presque Isle, Maine on June 29, 1917, she was the oldest of four children of Pearl Faustina (White) Marino and John Marino.

Marion always valued education. She was salutatorian of Presque Isle High School. She received undergraduate degrees from Aroostook State Normal School (now University of Maine at Presque Isle) and Oregon College of Educations (now Western Oregon University) and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon.

Sergeant Adam Craig from Billings, Montana was assigned to the Army Air Corps base in Presque Isle during World War II. He met Marion where she worked in the U.S. Post Office. They were engaged on May 1, 1943 and married on July 31, 1943. Son Gerald Boyd Craig was born on June 6, 1944.

Marion, Adam, and Gerry drove their 1936 Ford to Portland in early 1945 where Adam found work in the shipyards. They soon moved to Vanport City. When Marion was four months pregnant, her home and virtually all the little family’s possessions were lost in the flood on Memorial Day 1948. The family lived with friends for a while, then moved to government housing in North Portland, near Adam’s work. Son Geoffrey Alan Craig was born on October 29, 1948. In 1952, Adam built a small house for the family near Columbia Park. In later years he built two additions to the structure. The home included a large living room and piano where many meetings, celebrations, and musical events occurred.

Adam died in 1998. Marion lived in her beloved home until late in 2004. After that she lived in Tigard with her son, Gerry, and his wife, Gloria.

Marion was a member of Portland Opera Guild, first Congregational Church, National Education Association, Oregon Educational Association, Oregon Retired Educators Association, Association for Childhood Education International, American Association of University Women, English Speaking Union, and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Marion was predeceased by her son, Geoffrey, in 1996. She is survived by son, Gerry, and his wife, Gloria, and her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Joan Craig. Grandchildren include Aaron, Matthew, Elisabeth, Natalie, and Joseph Craig and Catherine Craig McNear. There is one great grandchild, Brenden Craig McNear.