Mary Catherine Kramer

Mary Catherine Kramer, 68, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on November 22, 2024. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Margaret Cook and her older brother, Jeffrey Cook. She is survived by her husband of 42 years (together for 52 years), James (Jim) Jospeh Kramer, their children Ben, Allison (Ben), and Amanda (Colm), her brothers Jim (Becky), Kevin (Ceal), Terry (Karen), and Keith (Cindy), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was born on November 1, 1956, to Eugene and Margaret Cook in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mary grew up with five brothers and spent her time attending various sporting events for her brothers and volunteering as a candy striper at Runnells Hospital. Mary began working at Glasstetter’s Bakery as a teenager where she met Jim. When diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) at 16, many told her she would not be able to attend college or have children. Mary bravely battled ALL and upon remission, she attended Seton Hall University and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to help treat oncology patients.

Mary and Jim were married on May 23, 1982, at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church. After their wedding, they moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where Mary worked at Duke University Hospital. While in Chapel Hill, Mary and Jim welcomed their first child, Ben. In 1989, Jim, Mary, and Ben moved to Ventura County, California where they welcomed their second child, Allison. After two years in California, the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where they remained for three years. After Charlotte, they moved to Doylestown, Pennsylvania where they had their third child, Amanda. The family then moved to Georgia, Virginia, and back to Georgia, meeting countless friends that became family along the way.

Mary and Jim began going to Hilton Head Island in 1991, enjoying the dolphins and peaceful beaches. Many family milestones have been celebrated on HHI from holidays to weddings. In October, Mary was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and after a brief yet valiant fight, will return to the waters of the Calibogue Sound in Hilton Head to rest.

Mary lived a life dedicated to putting others before herself, including teaching CCD and volunteering. To honor her life’s mission of helping others, the family asks donations be made to Tunnels to Towers in lieu of flowers.

A memorial service will be held on December 13th at 11 AM at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Hilton Head Island (24 Pope Avenue) with a repast to follow at the Quarterdeck (160 Lighthouse Road).

Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Hwy 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517 is in charge of arrangements.  Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com