Obituary of Margaret Craven

“Ivy” Margaret Craven Born June 15, 1924 in Camberwell England. Met and married Tom Craven during his air force service in England in WW2. In her early 20’s she bravely left her family in England to make the long trip to America on the Queen Mary. Which is probably why water and boats were never her favorite anytime after. Margaret and Tom lived in Indiana moving to Oregon in the 1950’s. Margaret became a US citizen and had two children Regina and Andrew. All lived in SW Portland while Tom worked as a barber in Hillsdale. While her children were young Margaret worked at home making many lifelong friends with neighbors and lived in the same neighbor hood for over 50 years. Many friends who were also British, who remained close to her over the years, as everyone raised their own families. Her long time British friend Margie Dalton was also present during her last week of life. After her children were older Margaret worked at the Beaverton High school office for several years. Several years following Tom’s death, Margaret met and married Fred Jones. Fred and Margaret enjoyed travel and had many adventures while Fred was employed as a bus driver. Margaret often acted as the “hostess” on the bus for many travel destinations. Margaret and Fred resided in SW Portland at the family home where she died Oct 21, 2011 peacefully, following a 3 year fight with cancer. Fred was by her side constantly as she bravely had her cancer treatments. Margaret loved travel, music and dance. She spent many years perfecting knitting and sewing. She was incredible generous and loving. Her quick humor was noticeable even up until the time of her passing. Margaret traveled many times to see her big family in England, staying with her brother “Uncle Boy” and two sisters Winnie and Rose. On her last trip to England, Margaret actually for the first time visited many places that she had never been to before along the English country side and Scotland. Also making a return visit to Torouay, an area on the coast that as a child she and many other children where sent to for their protection, since it was felt unsafe to be in London during the war. Margaret had wonderful stories to tell to us about her life. Margaret was thrilled to have her family present, and enjoyed the birth of all her new great grand children, and those that may be in the future (ADV) She has three Maddilyn Amber, Adriana, and GioVani. Margaret was “ Nana” to Ashley Craven, Colin and Amber Visage. Margaret also was a mother in law and great friend to Greg Visage, Gina’s husband of 25 years. We very rarely could fool her, but did manage a great surprise birthday gathering in her home recently. She was surprised right out of the bath tub by her family and friends all arriving in unison on her doorsteps. Our family had the incredible gift of being with her until the moment that she passed. All after beating the “odds” and living another 3 years after the first cancer diagnosis of 6 months. Margaret never complained and kept going. Margaret was a big force in our family; she will always be loved and missed by many forever.