Obituary of Helen Caroline Nielsen Craig

The family of Helen Caroline Nielsen Craig of Fredericton, New Brunswick, would like to share of her peaceful passing which occurred on August 16th, 2024 at Neill Hall – Shannex. Born March 23rd, 1934 in New Denmark, New Brunswick, she was the daughter of the late Emma Frederikke (née Johnsen) and Niels Carl Nielsen. Helen was proud to be a first, second and third generation Canadian. Her Danish heritage was very important to her and Christmas was always celebrated on Christmas Eve with turkey dinner, garlands of Danish Flags on the tree  and presents from Santa under the tree to be opened before the girls went to bed. 

Helen lived life to the fullest; she had an amazing 90 years from her early days in New Denmark, to her later years in Fredericton. Helen was a smart independent woman and had a concern for those who needed a hand up. From teaching in New Brunswick Schools to raising two daughters with her loving husband; Helen could and would do anything she put her mind to. After teaching, Helen took the time to earn her Bachelor of Library Science degree at the University of Toronto, and went on to work as a librarian at UNB. Her knowledge of New Brunswick newspapers and her interest in local genealogies and historical events kept her busy researching at the archives and kept her sharp as a tack. When she wasn’t busy at the archives she would spend her free time sewing clothes for her daughters and herself and knitting numerous mittens, hats, socks and lovely sweaters. She also did smocking, embroidery, crocheting and was a very talented quilter.

As a family the Craig’s were fortunate to travel across Canada many times and in 1992  Avens and Helen drove to Alaska along the Alaska Highway and also drove the Dempster Highway to Dawson City ,Yukon . In the summers Helen could only be reached at the family cottage at the cove, on the Charlie Little Rd in Harvey Station. The camp was her ideal happy place where she was able to do what she wanted, when she wanted - usually sawing up wood, enjoying the view or feeding the chipmunks, squirrels and birds. Besides spending time at the camp, Helen loved spending time with her dog Skippy especially after her husband’s passing.

Keeping her life busy, Helen was an active member of the community and took part in many groups. She was a proud life time member of UCW, and volunteered countless hours with the Cub Pack at St. Paul's United Church. Helen spent a remarkable 65 years with  scouting. She began her involvement with Scouting in 1953, with the 1st Cherry Mountain Cub Pack in Harvey Station. When Avens and Helen were married in 1957 they settled in Fredericton and became active with 7th Fredericton at St. Paul's United Church. While the girls were young she took on administrative and supportive roles at Group, Area , District and Provincial levels. This has included serving at various times as Secretary, Treasurer and District Cub trainer as well as participation in the numerous camps, jamborees and fund raising activities. Helen was a part of the this program, for serving much of that time as  “Baloo”, “ Akela” or “Rainbow” and in her later years taking on a leadership role with the Beaver section. In addition to her involvement with Scouting, Helen was also a long serving Girl Guide leader with 2nd Nashwaaksis Guide Company. She planned and lead numerous camps 5-7 day camps with the youth at either the Yoho Scout Reserve or Camp Chiplaquorgan. 

Helen was a constant presence at the Scout office on School Street, where she initially assisted with and eventually managed the Scout shop, in addition to overseeing the booking of facilities at the Yoho Scout Reserve. And even when it came time to close and disband the office, it was Helen who put in some of the longest hours, to ensure that important documents, books and memorabilia were not lost to posterity. She had a deep rooted passion for preserving and promoting the history of Scouting in New Brunswick and for many years, Helen had been a collector of scouting history and memorabilia. Her work in this regard has involved not only the collection materials but also the mounting of displays of scouting documents and memorabilia on occasions such as the major exhibition at the Harriet Irving Library during Scouting's centennial year in 2007. More recently, Helen was one of the key individuals behind the establishment of a permanent Scouting collection at the New Brunswick archives, where a wealth of Scouting history is now sorted, catalogued and available to the public. Helen has been recognized with the Medal of Merit, the Bar to the Medal of Merit and the Silver Acorn from Scouts Canada 

Helen is survived by her loving daughters Karoline Barr (Keith) of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Jo(anne) Craig Henry (Jon R.) of Fredericton, New Brunswick; Step grandchildren Scott Barr (Becky) of Erin, Ontario, and Allyson Barr of Oromocto, New Brunswick; Step great-grandchild Noah Cole of Oromocto, New Brunswick; Sister Bertha Strembicke (Fern) of Sherwood Park, Alberta; Nephews Greg Strembicke (Hope Wilson) of Saint John, New Brunswick, Mark Strembicke (Kathy Tymafichuk) of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Harry Eisenhauer (Gerene) of New Brunswick, Brent Craig, Andrew Craig (Beth), and Dan Craig (Alexandra) of Ontario; Nieces Wendy (Grant) Craig of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Shelley Craig, Patricia (Kevin) Ferguson  of Ontario, Mary Ann Sutherland of USA; Great nephews Benjamin Craig of Windsor, Ontario, Robert Craig of Vancouver, British Columbia, Alex Strembicke of Sherwood Park, Alberta, and Nicholas Scanga of Ontario; Great nieces Sarah (Collin) Wassink of Alberta, Sarah Scanga, Rebecca Craig, and Kara McKinnon of Ontario; Sisters-in-law Helen Craig (née Cochran) of Ontario, and Sylvia Craig (née Gardner) of Alberta; and her chosen grandchild Jenna E-Liz McGee.

Besides her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husband Avens John Manzer Craig; Brothers-in-law Murray, Raymond and Neill; and her sister-in-law, Lottie Craig (née Mersereau).

Helen will forever be known as someone  who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She will also be remembered for always carrying an envelope  of $20 dollar bills in her purse  in case she ran into someone down on their luck. With this being said, in lieu of flowers Karoline and Jo have requested that you take the time to lend a helping hand to those around you  or plant a tree in her memory. 

The family would like to thank all those in the health care profession and those in supporting roles (meal preparation and cleaning staff) since she was admitted in September of 2022 to the DECH and her stay at the Oromocto Hospital. Finally and most importantly they would like to thank the staff at Neill Hall for all of their kindness over the past 16 months to Mom and her family. You showed great patience and care to our mother . 

Arrangements are entrusted to York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick. A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, August 21^st, 2024 at 6:30 PM at Saint Paul’s United Church on the corner of York street and George Streets with Rev. Michelle Armstrong officiating. Helen will be buried beside Avens at St.Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in New Denmark at a later date. A livestream of the service will be available at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86067655454 (password: 437873). A reception at the church will follow the service.

Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com. Donations can be made to New Denmark Museum, St Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in New Denmark, Harvey Rural Cemetery, Scouts Canada – Yoho Scout Reserve, or SPCA.