Irene R. Craft

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Irene R. Craft, 84, of East Branch, died on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, at home after an illness. She was born on Aug. 4, 1936, in Niagara Falls, the daughter of Edward and Wilma (Eggler) Lacey. 

Irene and Charles B. Craft eloped to Juka, Miss., on Nov. 10, 1952, and he predeceased her on Feb. 8, 2003. Irene was a lifelong member of the East Branch/Harvard United Methodist Churches, a member of the Hancock Senior Club, and a past member of the East Branch Fire Department and Emergency Squad. She enjoyed crocheting daily and loved a good game of pinochle. In her recent years, Irene especially enjoyed the cruises she and her son Jeffrey took twice a year. 

Surviving are her son, Jeffrey, granddaughter, Julie Bennett, great-granddaughter, Skylar Bennett, two daughters-in-law, Cindy Craft and Jean Craft; brother-in-law Donald W. Craft, sister-in-law Oknan Lacey, many nieces and nephews, including two special great-nieces, Thea and Lily Green, who came to pray and sing during Irene’s last days, and her fur baby, Ruby. 

She was predeceased by her stillborn son, Edward Charles; son, Charles E., and eight siblings: Howard Lacey, George Lacey, Paul Lacey, Pauline Spicer, Eleanor Keesler, Ann Lacey, Clara Lacey, and Catherine Warfield. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 14, from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 12, all to be held at the Harvard United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in East Branch Cemetery, East Branch. 

Donations can be made in Irene’s memory to the East Branch/Harvard United Methodist Churches, P.O. Box 116, East Branch, NY, 13756 or to Helios Care (Hospice), 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta NY 13820.

Masks will be required and social distancing rules will be observed. Number of people allowed in the church is limited, so a wait is possible. 

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.