Marie Sarah McCruden
Marie Sarah McCruden died suddenly, after a hard struggle with addiction, in St. Louis, MO, on November 14. Born on May 5, 1992, in Sioux City, IA, Marie lived most of her life in Hot Springs, AR, before relocating recently to St. Louis. She graduated from Lake Hamilton High School near Hot Springs and received a BA in biology from Hendrix College in Conway, AR. She most recently worked in the dietary department at CHI-St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, where she will be dearly missed by her co-workers.
Marie loved literature and listening to music. An animal lover, she especially enjoyed playing with her dogs Toby and Zumba and their predecessors. She enjoyed swimming and being in nature. She loved the holidays. Doing things with recovery friends in Hot Springs was a favorite activity in recent years, and in recent months she became a prolific crocheter as well as a fan of Ted Drewes, St. Louis’ frozen custard institution. She liked to travel and especially treasured a trip to Florida with recovery friends and a family trip to Ireland. Marie was smart, kind, brave in the face of obstacles, and had a wonderful, goofy sense of humor. She helped anyone who was in distress. She faced more than her fair share of struggles; the love and support of good friends and family through the good and the hard times meant so much to her. She loved them all. Her gentle, broad smile and quiet joy will be missed by a great many people.
Marie is survived by her parents Susan Miller and Patrick McCruden, her sister Theresa McCruden, grandparents Merl Miller and Kathleen Donnelly, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her best friend Jodi Wood, grandmother Betty Miller, grandfather Andrew McCruden and aunt Ann Weathers.
Marie’s family would like to thank all those who supported Marie in these difficult times, especially her supervisor Jeff Erwin and all the staff at CHI-St. Vincent dietary department, the staff at Quapaw House in Hot Springs, her counselor Shannon Pearce and the staff at SSM St. Joseph’s Treatment and Recovery program.
A memorial service will be held at a time and date in Hot Springs to be announced.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Assisi House Homeless Ministry in St. Louis.
It is inconceivable to me that Marie and JB are both gone. Two unique and shining lights vanquished long before they should’ve been. I pray they are together again in eternal happiness. My deepest condolences to Patrick, Susan, Theresa and all of Marie’s friends and family. Rest in love, Marie.
Patrick and Susan,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you at the loss of Marie. You know how much we all cared for her. I know your pain is immense. I also know that she is in heaven and at peace in God’s arms. I pray that peace is what God brings to you and your family at this time of grieving.
My heart aches for you Susan , I can not imagine losing a child. I know everything is according to God’s plan for us. I did not know Marie but I am sure she is heavens gain. Please know you are in our prayers and if you need anything at all you have my number.
Dear Sweet Susan and Patrick, my heart is broken for you. I can’t imagine the loss, but I know, that you know my friend Jesus who will sustain you during this dark season! Anything I can do for you, just ask! Prayers and tight hugs will continue as long as they are needed.
Susie Hill
I worked at CHI St. Vincent and would see Marie in the cafeteria at lunch and she always had a smile for everyone. She always carried on a conversation with me about various subjects and I enjoyed those talks. I will miss her lovely smile and personality. Rest in God’s grace and peace my friend.
Deepest condolences to the family. My God heal your pain. Love to all of you in this difficult time. She was such a sweet child and gone too soon.
Dearest Patrick and Susan, My heart is with you and I feel so deeply for you. I am sending my support, love and peace to you. Love, Debbie
Patrick, Susan, and Theresa – we are deeply sad to learn of Marie’s passing. Your beautiful tribute to her here and the ways you continue to honor and remember her come from a place of lasting love. Holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so saddened to hear of Marie’s passing. May God provide to her loved ones the undeniable peace that can only come from above. RIL Marie
My deepest condolences to your entire family. I had the privilege of living with Marie at Newton House. She was a very funny, caring and loyal friend. She will be greatly missed by many. Prayers for comfort and peace for your family.
Through the mercy of God may Marie’s soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her.
May God Bless the McCruden family.
I so enjoyed Marie she was a beautiful person always made me laugh she will be missed. God bless your family you will be forever in my heart
Susan and Patrick,
I was stunned tonight to read your FB post. There are no words to express my sadness and love for you. I cannot conceive of your pain from Marie’s death. Please be assured of my prayers. And if you will, please post the date, time and place of her memorial service when you know. Her obituary pictures are beautiful!
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss and this precious life lost all too soon. May God bring healing to your broken hearts and may the joy of good memories sustain you.
Dear Susan, Patrick and Theresa,
I am heartbroken about the loss of Marie, and the suddennes of her passing I know makes it all the more difficult for you all.
Though no words can take away the sadness and heartache you feel, I offer my condolences to your beautiful family.
You have been a source of inspiration and strength to so many. God bless and comfort you in this season and know that you are in the prayers of so many.
Carol, Brandon and Brock
Patrick and Susan, So sorry to hear about the death of Marie. Know that you are in my prayers. Sr. Liz
I was one of Maries nurses at SJHC T & R… We all are grieving for her and her family..I hope Marie is resting in peace. We all miss you and love you..
Marie’s gentle spirit and kind smile will surely be missed. To the family and friends may God be your strenth during this time of loss
Patrick and Susan,
I and so sorry for your loss and I pray the Holy Spirit guides you and your family through this transition. One only has to know our Lord to have had an opportunity to gaze into Marie’s eye’s, be introduced to her thoughts, and deepest feelings within her heart. God blessed her with one of the most amazing smiles I’ve ever seen and although she is no longer with us in this world, I’m so happy her wonder spirit has been called home. As God is releasing tears as I send this condolence Jesus reminded me of how much Marie loved us all and will always be with us. God Bless you Patrick and Susan!
Weariness
“Come to me, all you who are weary and Burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up my yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
Deacon we are so very sorry for this great loss. We are praying for that peace that surpasses all understanding. We cannot fathom how your heart feels. However, we trust in a God that will make all things new.
Marie was such a warm and wonderful soul, so kind and caring. We loved her and she will sorely be missed. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
Words can’t express how much I enjoyed getting to know Marie while she was at SSM St. Joseph. She quickly became my friend and was apart of our family up here on 4A. My heart goes out to her family as they go through this difficult time ??
Love your friend forever,
Brittany Wood
(Substance Abuse Technician)