Kathryn A. Craib

Kathryn A. Craib, 75, of Upton, passed away peacefully September 20, 2021, at her home in Upton, MA, where she had lived for 43 years.  She was a teacher of 3rd and 4th graders at Upton Regional Elementary School for over 35 years.

She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Esther (Yeomans) Beal of Newark, NY, where she leaves many childhood friends. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Margaret “Margie” (Beal) McDade of Anaheim, CA.  She is survived by her sister, Nancy Groves, and Nancy’s long-time partner, Mary Brennan, both of Millbury, MA, and nieces, Kellie Haynam  and Amy Chinnock, her husband Tom and their sons, Kyle and Bryce, all of Scottsdale, AZ. Kathy is also survived by 2 cousins, John Jennerich of Norwalk, CA, and Barbara (Jennerich) Bush of Williamson, NY.

Kathy was an active and devoted congregant of the Federated Church of Ashland. She always volunteered to assist with many projects. She was a warm and welcoming hostess to temporarily homeless families who were invited to stay overnight on weekends at the various churches in the network who opened their doors to help.

In years past she used her vacation time to travel to a number of locations, domestic and foreign, where a consortium of churches had identified a profound need for help. The participants worked as teams making repairs to homes, schools and churches that were in disrepair. Habitat for Humanity was one of her favorite charities. She looked forward to these trips and returned home tired from the hard work but excited and invigorated to have helped those who were less fortunate.

Funeral arrangements are private and interment will be in Sodus, NY.  A memorial service will be held at Federated Church of Ashland at date to be announced at a later time.