Bethany M. Craigie

Bethany (Beth) Melcena Pelak was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Maude and Walter Pelak. She was the oldest of two children and a true companion to her sister, Carol. Beth graduated from Cass Technical High School, with an art major and was granted a Masters Degree in Shakespearean English from Wayne State University, Detroit, and a Masters Degree in Family and Marriage Therapy from the University of San Francisco. She was married to David Craigie who passed away when her three children, Tavis, Melissa and Tristan were young. She spent many happy years with her life partner, Frank Brezel. She is survived by 7 grandchildren, David, Jessica, Josephine, Georgia Kate, Lucy, Madelyn and Charlie. Early in her adult life, Beth was a talented artist, avid tennis player and teacher in the Detroit public school system. Following the loss of her husband, Beth worked as a counselor and mentor for Smoke-Enders organization in Texas. The family moved to Napa, California where Beth obtained her second masters degree and worked as a preschool teacher at Magic Years in Napa. She served many roles in Napa County Health and Human Services. Beth was a CPS counselor, supervisor of CPS, supervisor of the Family Preservation Program, executive director and primary trainer for the county affiliated Community Counseling Center, and finally, Supervisor of the Women’s Recovery Program. After retirement, she worked in private practice as a marriage and family therapist. Beth, above all, had a magnificent ability to relate to children and this was most evident in her favorite role in life, as a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved good books, opera and taking her children to Broadway plays. She was a bright star, a gentle, sensitive and kind woman who was much loved by those who knew her. In later years, Beth developed Alzheimer Type Dementia and was cared for by her daughter Melissa, son in law, Rodney and four granddaughters. She continued to smile, laugh, and communicate in her unique and special way. She passed peacefully, just as she lived her life. The family requests that donations be made to Collabria Care Connection and Share the Care non profit, both in Napa, California.

Bethany M. Craigie

December 4, 1942 - December 7, 2022

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Bethany M. Craigie

December 4, 1942 - December 7, 2022

Obituary Notification

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