Janice Plzák Craig, 90
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 47 minutes AGO
Dr. Janice Plzák Craig, 90, of Columbia Falls, passed away at her home on Sept. 9, 2026.
Janice was one of six children born to Louis and Vivian (Zdrubek) Plzák in Chicago on Dec. 13, 1935. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a doctorate in medicine, becoming a pediatrician and working in various settings over her career. She was a trusted presence in the lives of countless children and families who came under her care, offering not only medical expertise, but steadfast compassion.
Janice was married to Willie Ivy (Bill) Craig on June 13, 1962, and they built a life and family that was her greatest joy. Bill preceded her in death, but their love lives on.
Above all, Janice deeply treasured family and friends. She also loved nature and gardening and was a lifelong learner and writer. Later in life, she used this passion to author three books. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she built a wide and close-knit network of friends through the various churches she called home over the years. She gave generously of her time and heart to her community, finding purpose in ministry and in serving others, and she carried that same spirit of care into every corner of her life.
Janice is survived by her four children: William James Craig, Kathleen Janice Dodd, Cheryl Lynn Garza, and Donald Patrick Craig. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.
Janice will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and physician, a woman whose life was shaped by care for others, whether in her professional life healing children or in her personal life nurturing her own family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she leaves behind.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 20 at the First Baptist Church in Columbia Falls. There will be a short program followed by a potluck to allow people to share memories. To send online condolences please visit Janice's tribute page at columbiamortuary.com.