Margaret Loretta (Corcoran) Kraus, 89, of Danbury, died peacefully with her family at her side on November 17. She was born on February 7, 1927, to Margaret (Hirsch) Corcoran and William K. Corcoran in Buffalo, N.Y.

Her eight children and their spouses, Robert and Catherine Kraus of Sandy Hook; Mary and Ken Crowe of Corte Madera, Calif.; Patricia and James Coleman of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Margaret and George Rumrill of Groton; Kevin and Maryjane Kraus of Old Greenwich; Kathleen Thivierge of Highland Ranch, Colo.; Albert and Shelly Kraus of Goodyear, Ariz.; and Eileen and Ron Cipolla of Danbury, survive her. In addition, her family says she will be greatly missed by her 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her loving husband of 64 years, Al, who died on June 30, 2014; her brothers, William, Robert, Edward, John, and Richard Corcoran; her granddaughter, Sandra Drake; and son-in-law, Rick Thivierge, predeceased her.

She received her teaching degree at Buffalo State Teachers College. Soon after graduating, she met her future husband, Albert, and they were married on June 24, 1950. Their early family life took them from Albany to Chicago and to Kansas City before settling on Long Island for 13 years.

While raising her eight children, Mrs Kraus was very involved in many activities, including 4-H, St Edward's Church, and the community. In 1969, they relocated to Ridgefield, where she made many lasting friends through St Mary's Church and their neighborhood in Westmoreland.

Her grandchildren fondly remember the large family gatherings, where everyone was welcomed with unconditional love and acceptance. After Al's retirement in 1996, they moved to Danbury, where Mrs Kraus continued her church activities at St Gregory's and made many friends in her new community.

She will be remembered for her unfailingly happy and optimistic disposition and deep faith. She loved her family very much and cherished each new birth.

The family would like to thank Mrs Kraus's wonderful and compassionate caregivers at Maplewood at Stony Hill, Hancock Hall in Danbury, and her dedicated physician, Dr Jeffrey Metzger in Ridgefield.

Funeral services and burial will be private. A memorial service will be held in the spring.

Condolences for the family may be sent to: Eileen Kraus Cipolla; 16 Valley Road, Danbury CT 06811.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury is in charge of arrangements.