Obituary of Dorothy Augusta Louise Kramer

KRAMER - Dorothy Augusta Louise Surrounded by her loving family, Dorothy Kramer passed away on January 14, 2006. Predeceased by her husband Eiling in 1999, Dorothy will be remembered with joy and laughter by her children Jacquelyn Krueger, Neil (Monica), Claire Snyder (Randy), Leslie, Colleen Kramer-Dahlstrom (Dean), Timothy, Barbara Bunko (Brad), and Jennifer Kramer-Sampson (Brian); her grandchildren Carmen Krueger (Mike Gloeckner), Joelle Higgs (Mike), Kim Kramer (Alison), Brendan Kramer (Shannon), Jennilee Kramer, Angela and Ryley Snyder, Barclay and Kylie Dahlstrom, Holden, Sawyer and Easton Bunko, Eden, Kendall, Hannah and Noah Sampson; and her great grandchildren Austin, Madison, Ryleigh, Jace, and Randen. Dorothy was born to Leslie and Augusta Johnston on June 25, 1919. A true Saskatchewan farm girl, she was the oldest of three children and had tremendous responsibility in contributing to the success of the family farm. She always had stories to tell about growing up during the Depression. Those years influenced the strong and generous woman she was to become. She married the love of her life and best friend, Eiling Kramer on December 15, 1944. This was a partnership that produced eight children. Family and politics became the center of moms life. Throughout dads political career, she was always by his side, encouraging and supporting him. He often said that he would never have gone so far or done so well without her beside him. Although political life was important to mom, her family always came first. Raising eight kids was a challenge she stepped up to with love and courage. Her days were long and tiring, but she always had a smile and never complained. We all have memories of her in the kitchen, making a meal out of what seemed like nothing, baking bread, pies or her fabulous cookies. When we were tucked in for the night, mom didnt rest. Many nights we would go to sleep to the sound of her sewing machine whirring away as she made and mended clothes for us. While we were in school she loved to go to our plays, recitals and concerts; a tradition that continued with her grandchildren. There were countless hours of homework and projects. She was always there to help and cheer us on. Summers were what she looked forward to the most, particularly in later years as she and dad had more time to spend at their treasured cottage on Jackfish Lake. She had many happy hours tending her flowers, fishing with dad, or sitting on the deck watching hummingbirds and the loons on the lake. She always felt this was our true family home and, after dads passing, it was the one place where she felt closest to him. It was a meeting place for all of her family and friends, a place she filled with love. There is no way to sum up mom into a few special thoughts or memories. Everything about mom and every memory is just as special, she was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Her family was everything and keeping it happy, strong and together was her purpose. No matter what was going on in moms day, whether she wasnt feeling well, concerned about something or after dads passing, just sad and lonely, she tried not to show it but was more concerned how her kids or grandkids were doing and how could she do something to help. Mom always led by example. Her greatest gift to us was that of selflessness. She loved us unconditionally, and taught us to take joy from the simple moments in life. We all will miss her quiet strength, love and guidance. She was truly a woman of grace. If asked what our definition of love is it would be just "Mom. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 19th at 3:00 p.m. at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. Flowers most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 2360 2nd Avenue, Regina, S4R 1A6. An online book of condolence may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com