Obituary of Lahla Craik

Lahla Patria Craik Held in the arms of her loving family, Lahla Patria Craik, passed away peacefully at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus, on Thursday September 10, exactly one month shyof her 91st birthday. A proud mother, avid Blue Jays fan, Las Legas lover and voracious newspaper reader, Lahla led a full life from her beginnings in Melfort, Saskatchewan. She was the daughter of Edward and Mina Shepherd. She married the love of her life, Milton St. Clair Craik on June 4, 1940 in Alvinston, Ontario. They were married for 63 years before Milton passed away in December 2003. She proudly lived independently in her home until last week. Lahla is survived by sons Ken Craik and wife Nenagh of Springfield; Bryon Craik and wife Sheila of Springfield; daughter Janice Schroeder of Kingsville and David Schroeder of Essex; Nancy and husband Ron Samoluk of Estevan; Saskatchewan; Norma Downie and husband Neil of Chatham; grandchildren Adam, Sonja, Doug, Colin and Catherine Craik, Susan and Jeff Campbell, Margaret Schroeder, Allison Samoluk and Slobodan Suboticki, and Cutler Samoluk. Survived by sister Laura of Victoria, B.C. and brother-in-law Ernest Craik of Kenora. Lahla was the former Springfield Public Library Librarian until she and her husband, Milton, bought and operated the successful Craik Lumber in Springfield for many years. Both contributed to their community in numerous ways. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 13th at Kebbel Funeral Home in Aylmer from 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9 pm, followed by a private family funeral on Monday. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lahla are asked to consider the Salvation Army.