Elizabeth (Liz) Craigen

Elizabeth (Liz) Marlyn Florence Craigen (nee McLelland), born April 15, 1945, in Wadena, SK, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, in Calgary, AB. She faced her final days with the same strength and grace that defined her life.

Liz spent her early years on the family farm near Margo, SK. In 1959, she moved with her parents to Moose Jaw, SK, where she continued her education at Central Collegiate.  In 1961, Liz married John Craigen. Together they built a loving home and raised four children, who remained the centre of her life until her final days.

Once her children were in school, she continued her education and completed night classes at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in accounting and business administration. She returned to the workforce, spending fourteen years with R & G Holdings, where she gained extensive experience in a fast-paced office environment.

In 1995, Liz fulfilled a lifelong dream of business ownership when she restored a historic downtown Moose Jaw home, and opened the Cranberry Rose Boutique, Gift Shoppe, and Tea House. In 2005, she relocated the Shoppe to the Hammond Building on Main Street, continuing to serve the community from this location until selling the business in 2019. Beyond her work as a business owner, Liz was an active member of the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow and volunteered annually to local hospital fundraising efforts through the Festival of Trees.

Liz loved Christmas—a season that perfectly reflected her generous spirit. So much so, that it began with Christmas in October at Cranberry Rose. She delighted in the traditions, the decorations, and most of all the time spent with family and friends. She also enjoyed travelling to warmer climates during the winter months and savored summer morning coffee on the deck with John, overlooking their backyard paradise.

She was blessed with a large group of close friends that she deeply valued. Liz was especially proud of her Bunco group that began in the 1960s and continued for more than five decades. What started as card games evolved into memorable trips to Las Vegas, filled with laughter, stories, and lifelong bonds.

Following John’s passing in April of 2020, Liz made the hard decision to sell the family home and move to Calgary to be closer to family. This move brought her cherished time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Liz was predeceased by her husband, John Craigen, in 2020; her parents, Alfred and Florence McLelland; mother and father in-law, John and Mary Craigen; brothers, Elmer, William, and Elgin McLelland; sisters, Muriel Dalshaug, Eunice Kleppe, and Patrica Olynik; sister’s in-law, Marcel McLelland, Jeannette (Craigen) King, and Pauline McLelland; and brothers’ in-law, Johnny Kleppe, Clinton Dalshaug, Johnny Olynik, and Ben Lomheim.

She is survived by her sister’s in-law; Agnes McLelland, Elizabeth (Craigen) Lomheim, Carol (Craigen) Whitty and husband David; and brother in-law, Murry King, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Liz was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is lovingly remembered by her children; Shelly and her husband Kelly Storozuk, Cindy Craigen and her husband Claude Lavigne, Kevin Craigen, and Todd and his wife Monique Craigen.  She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren; Cody (Ellen) Carey, Brady Storozuk, and Tyler (Jackie) Storozuk; Alysha Hales (Jacob) and Jayda Hales; Chloe (Matt) Taron, Carley Craigen (Michael), and Zachary Craigen; and Hugh Craigen.

Affectionately known as Gigi, Liz also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Rayner and Sable Carey, Bo and Zoe Storozuk, and Isla Taron. Her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Liz often credited her mother as her greatest influence, remembering her as a remarkably kind and giving person—qualities she embodied throughout her life. She leaves behind a family who adored her and friends who will remember her warmth, generosity, and tireless spirit.

A Celebration of Liz’s life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 12-4 p.m. at the Temple Gardens Hotel in Moose Jaw, SK. with a private family interment taking place at Rosedale Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Association of Canada, alzheimer.ca, or the Shriners Children’s Hospital, shrinerschildrens.org.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550