Marie Craig Mossner, a tireless champion for the Lord, her Savior, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023, while vacationing in Florida. Marie was 68 years young and leaves behind her loving husband, Bradford Robert Mossner; her three children, Erich Robert Mossner of Grand Rapids, Kristine Marie Bronkema (Nate) of Fruitport, MI, and Michael David Mossner of Ft. Collins, CO; siblings Diane Craig, Eastsound, WA; Julie Cramton (Ralph), New Port Richey, FL; Robert Craig (Toni), Saginaw, MI and Philip Craig (Sherry) Salt Lake City, UT; her dear granddaughter, Ellis Clara Bronkema; dozens of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and a multitude of dear friends.
Her life was filled with a deep love of the Lord, her family, her church community, and countless memories. Marie will be remembered for her well-manicured nails, her countless bracelets, Vera Bradley warehouse trips, the annual Women of Joy conference, Arnold Palmers, and Beach Tuesdays, along with a delight in movies, and long drives with her husband. It was her ministry to women, however, that was her passion and her calling.
Marie was born in Detroit in 1955, the fourth child to Bob and Doris Craig. In 1964, the family moved to Saginaw, MI where, in 1975 she met Brad Mossner during a blind date arranged by her sister and brother-in-law Julie and Ralph Cramton. Brad and Marie married a year later. The newlyweds owned and operated The Pillow Place on Gratiot Ave, in Saginaw, before moving to Salt Lake City in 1980, where their first child Erich Robert, was born. It was in Utah that Marie embraced Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and started her lifelong ministry as a Redeemed daughter of The King. The young family moved back to their home state in 1985, settled in Grand Rapids, and welcomed Kristine Marie and Michael David to the family.
“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives you victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.” Zephaniah, 3:17
Marie had a heart for women and for walking alongside them in their journey with the Lord. This led Marie through many different endeavors, such as Christian Women’s Club, Director of Women’s Ministry at Ada Bible Church, leading countless in-home community Bible Studies, and guest speaking at churches all over West Michigan. Marie had the gift of hospitality. She often opened her home to host wedding showers, baby showers, and dinner parties all with well-thought-out and meaningful themes and decorations.
Throughout her life, Marie was faced with a series of health issues. Rather than giving in and giving up, she found strength in her relationship with the Lord, comfort in the Scriptures, and fellowship in the relationships she developed wherever she went.
“… but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint.” Isaiah, 40:31
Those blessed to know Marie, including the women she hosted in a series of Bible Study groups sharing her love of life and the Lord, will remember her as a constant ray of sunshine, a proud and stalwart defender of her faith, and a woman who always looked her best, even when she wasn’t feeling her best. Her sense of humor, style, and loyalty was unparalleled, and all who knew and loved her acutely feel her absence.
The family will greet visitors Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, 49546. Friends and family will honor this Faith Warrior with a Celebration of Life on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (with an hour visitation an hour prior) at Marie’s home church of Keystone Community Church, 655 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301.
Memorial Contributions can be made to https://www.lymedisease.org/donate-honor/ in honor of Marie.
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, … pure, … pleasing, … commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things you learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
Well done, dear Marie. Well done
9 Responses
We were friends since 1964 at St. Helens and our friendship grew throughout the years. My deepest sweetest memories were when we were in SLC together in the 80s. Marie was always there for me as a friend and sister in Christ. So wonderful when she was with me when I gave birth to Lauren my daughter at the birthing center. Marie’s joyous loving fun spirit will be missed so much! A true warrior who always made everyone around her feel like they were the most important to her. My deepest condolences to Brad, and all the family and friends who will have a piece of their heart missing with Marie’s passing. I am so blessed because she called me friend! Love you always Marie. 🩷
So Sorry for Your Loss..
Hugs & Prayers…..
Marie and I became friends when she came to Saint Stephen’s as a freshman. She was always so upbeat and fun! She could tell a great story even back then! Our friendship continued after high school and we both stood up in each other’s weddings. Marie and I also worked at my dad’s office after graduation, she full-time, me during summer breaks.
In the past several years we’ve gotten together at least once a year for an overnight to catch up and laugh! Marie had the most beautiful smile and laughter! We’ve had multiple long phone conversations in between the visits. Marie had the gift of always making others feel like they were extra special to her. She certainly was to me.
Marie’s faith has always been so inspiring. Even more inspiring has been her positive attitude in the face of all the health obstacles she endured. I still don’t know how she was able to see the sunshine through the rain, but she did.
I am shocked and deeply saddened by her passing. I do know that she is healthy and happy now in heaven and this comforts me, as I hope it does all of you.
I think about her several times every day. Whenever I hear bracelets jingling I will know that she is near.
Dear Brad, Erich, Kristine, Michael, Ellis and the rest of your lovely family, please accept my deeply heartfelt condolences on your tremendous loss of a tremendous woman. I know how much she loved all of you and how over the moon she was with her beautiful granddaughter Ellis.
Marie was truly one of a kind and has left a beautiful legacy of faith, love, kindness and laughter.
She was so dearly loved by so many.
Until we meet again dear friend….♥️
Marie was always a fun loving gal since the day I met her back in high school. Even when she became ill, her zest for life never faltered. Her faith in God was impeccable and so inspiring. We recently hooked up online when she requested that I paint a piece of furniture for her in my decorative style. She also purchased one of my smaller pieces which was very generous of her. I remember back when our sons Ian and Erich went to preschool together it was fun sharing that time together. Marie will surely be missed by so many who were blessed to have her in their life.
Thinking about you, Nate, Ellis and your whole family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry, Julie and family, for your loss. May Marie rest in peace with the Lord.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife, mom, grandma, Aunt and friend. I can’t say I knew her but can say she raised a beautiful daughter. My deepest condolences 🙏
What can I say about “my best friend” as children growing up in Saginaw, Michigan?
We grew up in our adolescence and shared absolutely everything in our young lives, as young girls do. We hung out literally, every single day. We lived one block apart and totally cried, laughed and held each other when needed to survive our sometimes very complicated lives. Her family always welcomed as their own. She was a huge part of my life growing up at St. Helen School and then going on to St. Stephen High School. A huge part!
My heart aches for her family and I truly wish that God wraps His arms around you at this time and always! God Bless You All and I know Marie is smiling down on you, until some day you will see her again in heaven!
To Brad & Family, our deepest condolences and sympathies. So many memories of Marie and Your care for her. She will be missed more than words can describe. Perry Bonarrigo & Family