Shrewsbury – Phyllis A. (Parmelee) Cramer, 74, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 in Shrewsbury with her daughters at her side. Her husband of 50 years, Richard E. Cramer, died Nov. 26, 2009.
Born Nov. 22, 1937 in Barberton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Loman and Ann (Vodlick) Parmelee. Her mother later remarried and she was lovingly raised by her step-father, James Lane. She graduated from Barberton High School and earned a Bachelor's degree from Kent State University.
On June 7, 1959 she married Richard E. Cramer. Shortly thereafter he was drafted to the United States Army and served overseas in Germany until 1963. They settled in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio until moving to Endicott, New York in 1982 and later Shrewsbury in 1986. Mindful of her roots, loyalty and love of Ohio, she also loved living in New England.
While in Ohio, Mrs. Cramer taught grade 6 at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Upon moving to Shrewsbury, she tutored teens at the Oxford House for many years.
She was a talented knitter and quilter and did needlepoint. She was also a collector of numerous “Cat's Meow Collectibles,” which included wooden replicas of many of her favorite places. Countless hours she spent making gifts for family and friends all of which are now treasured keepsakes. She also took great pride in having established and operated online support groups for folks battling anxiety and depression.
She leaves two daughters, Cindy A. Cramer and Karen L. Mancini and her husband, Marc, all of Shrewsbury; her brothers, Larry Parmelee of Akron, Ohio and James Lane II of Barberton, Ohio; three grandchildren, Samuel and Evan Harnois and Amelia Mancini; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Mrs. Cramer's life by gathering for calling hours Friday, Dec. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Saturday morning, Dec. 24, at 10 a.m. for her funeral service. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
In appreciation of her vocation to teach and to help those in need, please honor her memory with a contribution to The Oxford House, c/o YOU Inc., 81 Plantation St., Worcester, 01604.
