Mary "Susan" Kramer

Mary “Susan” Kramer, 74, of Fairview Twp., passed away in her home on Saturday, June 4, 2022, while under hospice care, with her family by her side. She was the daughter of the late J. Frank and Mary (Rando) McCollum. She born on October 19, 1947, in Danville.

Susan was a beautiful person, from her warm and tender heart to her movie-star smile. As a young lady, she was active in Girl Scouts and served as a lifeguard. She took up dance classes and her love of dance lasted her life. In the 7th grade, she met a handsome sophomore named Joe. Upon graduation from Shamokin Area High School (Class of 1965), she would marry her high school sweetheart, whom she had corresponded with during his four years of active duty in the USAF, where he served three years in Europe. Due to Joe’s job, the couple moved to Lindenwold and then Stratford, NJ and started their family. They would ultimately end up in New Cumberland, PA. She was a homemaker for years, and then waitressed when their children were older. In 1993, she would battle and beat breast cancer, which prompted a new chapter of her life: working for the American Cancer Society, both in Harrisburg and Hershey. She was a Patient Care Specialist, acting as a liaison for people in need of support during their cancer treatment. Susan was also responsible for leading and founding several cancer recovery and support groups. She retired in 2013.

A devout Catholic, Susan and family would attend St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland for 20+ years before she and her husband, a permanent deacon in the Church, would relocate to Holy Infant Catholic Church, Manchester. Between those parishes, she was active with the religious education and RCIA programs, she was a Minister of Holy Communion, a lector, a marriage mentor, and a champion for the rights of the unborn. Susan cared for all those around her, whether they were a friend, family member or perfect stranger; she would give her time in the ‘80s and ‘90s to assist those affected by AIDS.

Susan found the silver lining in any situation and often found that some of the hardest struggles she faced in life, turned into blessings. She could find joy in the simplest things, and she had a hug and kiss for anyone and everyone. She was the best wife, mother, and Nanny here on earth, but what she valued more than anything, was the Lord. Her gentle way and perpetual smile will live on in those she leaves behind.

Surviving is her husband of 54 years, Deacon Joseph J. Kramer Sr; children, Joseph “Jamie” Kramer Jr. (Michelle) of Palmyra, John W. Kramer (Emily) of Carlisle, and Mary Frances Bowman (Christopher) of New Cumberland; grandchildren, Lydia, Hannah, John Jr. “Jack”, Christopher Jr. “CJ”, Joseph, Stephen and Mary Clare; and many extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an unborn child, Clare.

A public viewing will be held from 5-7PM on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland, with a rosary service beginning at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11AM the following morning, June 8, at Holy Infant Catholic Church, Manchester. A committal service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be held on Thursday, June 9 at 1:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Susan’s name to her church: Holy Infant Catholic Church, 535 Conewago Creek Rd, Manchester, PA 17345.