Barbara A. Cramer

Surrounded by her family, Barbara A. Cramer, age 73, passed away Monday, July 4, 2016 at her residence. Barbara was born in Racine, October 18, 1942, daughter of the late Sylvester and Lucille (Nee: Gross) Soens.

Barbara attended St. Joseph’s Grade School, St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1960” and graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1963. On May 22, 1965 she was united in marriage to James F. Cramer. Barbara was employed as a Registered Nurse for 34 years, first at Kurten Medical Clinic and then St. Mary’s Hospital. Following her nursing career, she spent 11 years as a sales associate at Kohl’s Department Store. Barbara was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her pastimes have included bowling, golfing, gardening, knitting, attending jazz concerts, marching band competitions, volunteering for Toys for Tots, “professional” shopping, and bargain hunting, and NOT fishing with her husband. She was also quite proud of being an accomplished laundress and never meeting a stain she couldn’t handle. Barb was most happy interacting and socializing with her friends, especially those “in club” with whom she shared 53 years of joy, tears and laughter. She also cherished the time she could spend with her grandchildren. She loved to watch them grow, participate in a range of activities, and be tormented by their grandpa’s jokes. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile and her bright blue eyes that are now looking down on all those she loves.

She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of fifty-one years, James; her children, Susan (Ralph) Williams of Greendale, Ron (Pam) Cramer of Madison; her five grandchildren, Madison, Molly, and Mari Williams, Samuel and Lara Cramer; sisters, Kathleen (Robert) Sadlon, Lynn Mullis, all of Racine; in-laws, Carol and Ed Banazak, Anita and Bob Atkinson, Mary and Pat Stewart, Pat Haertel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and parents-in-law, she was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Marty Mullis, and Bruce Haertel and sister-in-law, Judy Isen.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 8, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. Donations in her name can be made to St. Catherine’s High School or the American Lung Association.

Barb was grateful to all of those who provided her support and care while she was sick, especially the doctors and nurses who battled the cancer, who treated her in the hospital, and who helped bring her comfort while in hospice.