Obituary of Winifred May Kramer

Winifred May Kramer, 96, died peacefully on June 29, 2016, at Van Rensselaer Manor after a brief illness. Winnie was born in Schenectady, beloved daughter of Louis D. and Ella B. Hart. She graduated from Nott Terrace High School, and her subsequent completion of vocational training in stenography led to 10 years as a secretary at G. E. and over 20 years as a medical records technician for St. Clare's Hospital. Winnie married the late Frederick D. Kramer in 1945, a union that lasted 52 years and produced two beautiful children, Frederick and Sheryl. A long-time resident of Clifton Park, Mrs. Kramer was a leader for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, was involved in the Women's Club of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, and traveled with other senior citizen participants in the Adult Community Center. Her deep spirituality kept her active in the State Street Presbyterian and Zion Lutheran churches of Schenectady. Winnie also was devoted to her family and looked forward to camping at Sacandaga Reservoir with adventurous grandsons Shawn and Steve. She relished ocean side vacations in Maine, Cape Cod, and the Jersey shore with her daughter Sheryl and adoring grandchildren Kristen, Julie, and Ken. Winnie was beloved by all who had the privilege of meeting her. Her contagious laughter and detailed storytelling delighted family, friends, and the residents of the manor. She will be remembered fondly as a woman with a great memory and an enthusiastic zest for life who loved adorning her surroundings with a little sparkle, watching the birds, riding her lawn mower, playing bingo, and eating specially prepared homemade cookies. In addition to her husband and parents, Winifred was predeceased by seven siblings and cherished daughter-in-law, Donna Lee Kramer. Survivors include her loving children, Frederick L. Kramer of Cameron, N.C. and Sheryl E. Rifenburg of Brunswick; treasured grandchildren, Steven Kramer (Agnes), Shawn Kramer (Sheri), Kristen Fisk (Daniel), Julie Rifenburg, and Kenneth Rifenburg (Stacy Helming); and precious great-grandchildren, Daniel Butler, Collin Fisk and Morgan Fisk, along with several nieces and nephews, including special grandniece, Dawn Wagner. The family would like to thank the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor, especially Chris and Laura, for the compassionate care of Winnie during her residence. Winnie herself wished to share her appreciation of her daughter Sheryl and thank her for everything. Friends and relatives are cordially invited to call at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, on Wednesday, July 6, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Shawn Dugan of Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com