M. Virginia (Howell) Craven

M. Virginia Craven, 97, of West Grove, PA and formerly of Wilmington and Hockessin, DE passed away at her residence at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Virginia was born in Newark, Delaware and raised in Richardson Park.  She was the daughter of the late George Washington and Reba Neville (Frazer) Howell.  She graduated from Conrad High School and received a BA degree from the University of Delaware.  In addition to being a homemaker, she worked as a secretary and a substitute teacher for schools in the Wilmington area.

Virginia had many keen interests and was an active contributor to many organizations.  She had a lifelong love of history and conducted detailed genealogy research resulting in identifying an ancestor who participated in the Revolutionary War, allowing her to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She also volunteered for the Cecil County Historical Society.  

Virginia loved creative arts and produced ceramics, oil and watercolor paintings, and intricate embroidery, often based on her own designs.  Many of her creations were gifted to appreciative family and friends.  She enjoyed her time spent as a member and officer of the Brandywine Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America.  She also enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Delaware Art Museum.  She was a good baker, liked daily walks, was an accomplished seamstress, and relished spending time at the beach in Corolla, NC after her husband retired.

In addition to her many personal interests, she spent uncountable hours attending her children’s sports events and band concerts, and serving as a PTA Homeroom Mother.  

Virginia is survived by her children, Martha Ann Craven and John William Craven, Jr. (Lyn) and her sisters, Carolyn Nafziger and Helen Doughty Palagruto.  In addition to her parents, Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, John William Craven; her sister, Patricia Pugh; and her son-in-law, Frank Martorana.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Tuesday, March 10 from 2:00 - 3:00PM, with funeral services immediately following.  Interment will be held privately at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear on Monday, March 23.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Virginia may be made to the Historical Society of Cecil  County, 135 E. Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921 (https://www.cecilhistory.org).

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