CRAIG, RONA- Born March 8, 1940, Rona grew up in Milford, Delaware. She was an accomplished athlete in high school, and went on to graduate from The University of Delaware where she met the love of her life and future husband of 56 years, Toby. They started their lives together as teachers. Rona was a compassionate and masterful teacher who derived the greatest pleasure in enriching the lives of those she taught. She continued teaching when she moved the family to Cape May, NJ. There she and Toby purchased The Washington Inn in 1978. Her insight, drive, and positive spirit guided the course of direction for The Inn which blossomed into a thriving business that continues to this day. Later she directed the opening of Love the Cook, The Pelican Club, The Old Grange, the Cape May Winery and Lucky Bones Restaurant where her business acumen and passion contributed to their success. Rona’s greatest love was her family and friends. Her warm desire to help anyone and everyone was a constant—always with an unmatched sense of humor and often times done anonymously. She was a friend and confidant to so many people in the Cape May community. People from all walks of life would drop by to seek her counsel and words of encouragement. Countless friends begin their stories about Rona with, “If it weren’t for her…..” She was selfless and passionate about giving her time and energy to others. They would often remark that “When you spend time with Rona, you were always the most important person in the room.”….and that beautiful smile….that beautiful smile is indelibly etched in people’s memories. She is predeceased by her son-in-law, Gene Sole, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC Ret. Rona is forever loved by her family which includes her husband and best friend of 56 years, Toby Craig; three children, Michael Craig, David (and Kristen) Craig and Betsy Sole; seven beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Maddie, Jackson, Natalie, Zeke, Matthew and Caroline. Friends will be received on Friday, July 7th, from 9am until 11am at the Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Rd., Cape May with Rona’s memorial ceremony to follow. In honor of Rona, please dress comfortably, casually and colorfully. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to the Gene Sole Scholarship Fund is appreciated, online at www.genesolescholarship.com or mail to: PO Box 2324, Cape May, NJ 08204. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) Info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com
End Date: Fri, 04 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0400
