BANGOR – Rita Craver, 84, died peacefully April 1, 2012, with her family at her bedside at a Bangor nursing home. She was born July 24, 1927, in Rochester, N.Y., to Martha and Peter Cottom.
Rita attended Nazareth Academy, where she excelled as a student. After graduation, she went to New York City, where she found work as an administrative assistant for NBC and began her love for television. She enjoyed the city’s plays, opera and fashions. In 1954, while vacationing at Bar Harbor Inn, a stranger named Oscar on vacation from Arabia, asked her to dance. She agreed and 10 days later, married Oscar Craver. Soon after, Rita flew to Arabia, where she lived for 28 years. The couple had two children, Kimberlee and Gary. The Cravers traveled the world, visiting all but two continents. In 1982, Rita and Oscar retired to Cape Coral, Fla. In 1996, when Oscar died, Rita began to vacation in Maine to visit her daughter, and in 2007 moved to Tall Pines Residence, Belfast. A generous woman and good companion, she loved her family. She enjoyed doing New York Times crossword puzzles and playing trivia, even winning a contest on a cruise.
Rita will be greatly missed by her son, Gary Craver of Cape Coral, Fla.; daughter, Kimberlee Hammond; son-in-law, Alan Hammond; and grandchildren, Brooke and Julia Hammond.
Those who wish to remember Rita in a special way may make gifts in her memory to CROW – Wildlife Refuge, 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Arrangements by Memorial Alternatives, 205 Center St., Bangor.