Mary Craig Wilcox

Mary Craig Wilcox of Missoula passed away of natural causes Thursday, July 24, 2014, at her home in the Rattlesnake. She was 70 years old. Mary was born at St. Patrick Hospital on Nov. 13, 1943, to William and Effa Wilcox. She attended Missoula schools and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1962.

In 1981 she married Samir Soueidan, and they remained married until her death.

Mary worked for 20 years in the Continuing Education Department at the University of Montana and then for seven years at the UM Bookstore. Alongside her father, mother, sister Sara, cousins and friends, Mary grew up spending summers on Seeley Lake in a cabin built by her grandfather. "The Lake" was her favorite place, and she spent as much time there as she could throughout her life.

Even though she had no children of her own, she was very active and present in the lives of the children in her extended family. She graciously took in her nephew Nick George for two years while he attended and graduated from Hellgate High School in 1999. During this time, a very special, lasting relationship developed that brought them both great love, joy and much laughter.

Mary was known for her authenticity, honesty, prickly humor and incredible memory. She lived a full life in Missoula and will be greatly missed. Her ashes will be placed at Missoula City Cemetery near the resting place of her mother and father. A small private gathering to honor and celebrate Mary will take place in the weeks to come.

She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Samir Soueidan; her sister, Sara Wilcox of Seeley Lake; and her nephew and his wife, Nick and Kristina George and their daughter Lolo River, who live in Venice, California.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the University of Montana Library. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home
Read Mary Wilcox's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.