Judith M. (Benersani) Craig, 68 of Melrose died peacefully surrounded by family on March 2, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Judi was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 1, 1957, to the late O Joseph and Marion Benersani (McMorrow), spending the majority of her childhood in Dorchester, MA with her sisters Ann and Clare and her brother Joe. She was a graduate of Cardinal Cushing Central High School and UMass-Boston.

She met her husband Don, and they married in April 1984. Together they began a family, settling first in Medford, then Malden and finally Melrose for the last 33 years.

While working at Jordan Marsh in Boston, Judi met her lifelong friend, Beverly. The two formed an indelible bond, taking trips to Europe in their youth, the stories of which would still make her children laugh after the umpteenth telling. They raised their children on opposite sides of Boston, but they still ensured they grew up together, showing up for birthdays and holidays religiously over the years.

Judi’s heart could best be seen in her love for her family and friends. She treasured holidays and family gatherings, for which she would cook her famous lasagna or ratatouille or brownies – but most of the time she would make all three because one person attending liked one of them in particular.

She spent much of her free time volunteering as a room mother at her children’s schools and teaching CCD for Saint Mary’s Parish in Melrose. She was a devoted hockey mom, spending years filling one van or another up with equipment bags and shuttling her children and their friends to practices and games. She was a devout animal lover, adopting numerous cats over the years. In the late evenings; Judi, who was also an avid reader would amazingly complete multiple books each evening.

Since 2021, Judi cherished nothing more than spending time with her beloved granddaughter, Holly. She shared her passion for books by reading to Holly and sharing her Nook. When the weather was nice, she was a fixture at the Common or Gooch Park pushing Holly on swings and watching her grow. At home, she was always ready with a treat or snack in classic “grandma” fashion.

Judi is survived by her husband Don Craig; her sons John and his fiancée, Michelle Natale of South Boston and Andrew Craig and his wife Tricia of North Andover; her daughters Katie Craig and Lauren Craig of Melrose; her granddaughter Holly of North Andover; her sister Ann McCobb and her husband Gerry; her sister Clare and her brother Joe Benersani of Dorchester; her nephew Kyle McCobb and his wife Dawn of Braintree, her dearest friend Beverly Fallon (Sloan) and her husband Joe of Hanover along with many other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 4 Herbert Street, Melrose. Interment will follow at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan Street, Melrose. Family & Friend's respectfully invited to attend. 

In lieu o flowers, kindly consider a donation to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.