Obituary for S. Michelle Craighton (Beck)
In Loving Memory: S. Michelle Craighton (Beck)
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of S. Michelle Craighton (Beck), a woman of extraordinary strength and resilience, who gracefully faced life's challenges with unwavering courage. She departed this world on January 10, 2024, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of enduring love, compassion, and fortitude.
Born in the majestic embrace of Niagara Falls, NY, Michelle was the cherished daughter of Velma Jean Beck (Carpenter) and Nathan Clifton Beck. Her journey through life was marked by a profound commitment to family, as evidenced by her 32 years of marriage to her beloved husband, John “Jack” Francis Craighton. Their union was a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and shared joys.
Michelle's professional journey was as diverse and vibrant as her spirit. From gracing high-end restaurants as a fine dining waitress to excelling as a caterer, secretary, limo driver, nanny, phlebotomist and nurturing homemaker, Michelle embraced every role with dedication and determination. Her career culminated in a well-deserved retirement, where she continued to share her warmth and wisdom with those around her.
In the tapestry of her life, Michelle found solace and joy in simple pleasures. Her hobbies included playing with her adored grandchildren, indulging her culinary creativity, and exploring the world through her travels. Her passion for making children happy reflected her compassionate and generous nature.
Michelle is survived by her loving family: sons, Sergeant Major Jason Nathaniel McDowell and Brett Ryan McDowell; granddaughters, Abigail Selena McDowell and Mae Julia McDowell; grandson, Max Henry McDowell; brothers, Bradley James Beck, David Brian McKenney and Clifton Thomas Beck III; sister, Lisa Marie Mundy (Beck); loyal best friend, Dawn Marie Parker; and devoted husband, John “Jack” Francis Craighton.
In honoring those who walked before her, Michelle is predeceased by her father and hero, Nathan Clifton Beck (former Mayor of Chesapeake City, MD), her mother Velma Jean Beck (Carpenter), and siblings Richard Allen Murson, Theresa Rene Johnston (Murson), and Julia Kim Mackie (Murson), and her goddaughter and niece Julia Michelle Mackie.
Michelle's kindness, strength, and devotion touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. In celebrating her memory, let us cherish the love she shared, the resilience she embodied, and the legacy of compassion she leaves behind. May Michelle’s spirit continue to inspire us all.
A private memorial to celebrate Michelle's remarkable life will be held in the spring, a season mirroring the renewal of life and nature, a fitting tribute to a woman whose spirit will forever bloom in our hearts. May we embody Michelle’s legacy of strength, love, and compassion as we continue our life’s journey. May she find eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of S. Michelle Craighton (Beck), a woman of extraordinary strength and resilience, who gracefully faced life's challenges with unwavering courage. She departed this world on January 10, 2024, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of enduring love, compassion, and fortitude.
Born in the majestic embrace of Niagara Falls, NY, Michelle was the cherished daughter of Velma Jean Beck (Carpenter) and Nathan Clifton Beck. Her journey through life was marked by a profound commitment to family, as evidenced by her 32 years of marriage to her beloved husband, John “Jack” Francis Craighton. Their union was a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and shared joys.
Michelle's professional journey was as diverse and vibrant as her spirit. From gracing high-end restaurants as a fine dining waitress to excelling as a caterer, secretary, limo driver, nanny, phlebotomist and nurturing homemaker, Michelle embraced every role with dedication and determination. Her career culminated in a well-deserved retirement, where she continued to share her warmth and wisdom with those around her.
In the tapestry of her life, Michelle found solace and joy in simple pleasures. Her hobbies included playing with her adored grandchildren, indulging her culinary creativity, and exploring the world through her travels. Her passion for making children happy reflected her compassionate and generous nature.
Michelle is survived by her loving family: sons, Sergeant Major Jason Nathaniel McDowell and Brett Ryan McDowell; granddaughters, Abigail Selena McDowell and Mae Julia McDowell; grandson, Max Henry McDowell; brothers, Bradley James Beck, David Brian McKenney and Clifton Thomas Beck III; sister, Lisa Marie Mundy (Beck); loyal best friend, Dawn Marie Parker; and devoted husband, John “Jack” Francis Craighton.
In honoring those who walked before her, Michelle is predeceased by her father and hero, Nathan Clifton Beck (former Mayor of Chesapeake City, MD), her mother Velma Jean Beck (Carpenter), and siblings Richard Allen Murson, Theresa Rene Johnston (Murson), and Julia Kim Mackie (Murson), and her goddaughter and niece Julia Michelle Mackie.
Michelle's kindness, strength, and devotion touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. In celebrating her memory, let us cherish the love she shared, the resilience she embodied, and the legacy of compassion she leaves behind. May Michelle’s spirit continue to inspire us all.
A private memorial to celebrate Michelle's remarkable life will be held in the spring, a season mirroring the renewal of life and nature, a fitting tribute to a woman whose spirit will forever bloom in our hearts. May we embody Michelle’s legacy of strength, love, and compassion as we continue our life’s journey. May she find eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.