Barbara J. (Zuber) Craig

After a 4-year battle with cancer, Barbara Joan (Zuber) Craig, at the age of 87, died on April 10, 2024, at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center (MA). Barbara was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from Grover Cleveland High School and enlisted in the Air Force (AF). Her first duty assignment was Offutt AFB, located in Omaha (NE), where she met her future husband, SSgt Bob Craig. After Barbara and Bob were married, she separated from the AF to become a mother. In addition to raising a family of six children, Barbara also had a productive and meaningful career. From 1976 to 1985, she served as a strong advocate for Springfield’s low-income communities while working for the Springfield Project for a United Neighborhood (SPUN) -- a grassroots nonprofit community organization. While serving as the executive director, SPUN facilitated the founding of several community block clubs  crime watch groups, and neighborhood councils. Additionally, SPUN and the Western Mass Legal Service successfully advocated with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority to have corrective rehabilitation work done on over 100 homes for low-income families. After her stint at SPUN, Barbara served as a secretary and program coordinator for the Holy Family Church on Eastern Avenue from 1985 to 1989. In this capacity, Barbara provided diverse and critical support to the church’s leadership.

From 1994 to 2001, Barbara dedicated herself to caring for her husband as he battled cancer. Following his passing, Barbara pursued her education at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), enrolling in the liberal arts/general studies program at the age of 65. Over the next nine years, she pursued her passion for writing and art, achieving excellence as an honor student.

Barbara Craig is survived by her children (and their spouses) Robert Craig and his wife Donna, Diane Craig, Paulette Rochford, Dolores Larry and her husband Nelson, Roger Craig, and Linda Dennis and her husband Marcus. Barbara’s surviving grandchildren include Laura Craig, Olivia Mortenson, Ashley Craig, Peter Rochford, Roger Craig, Lourdes Robinson, Adrianna Craig, Braedon Dennis, and Sienna Dennis. Finally, Barbara is survived by her sister, Doris Guzzo.

A Memorial Service offered by Rev. Fr. Warren Savage will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4 at 11am at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, dedicated to the memory of Barbara Craig.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara J. (Zuber) Craig, please visit our Tree Store.