Obituary of Joanne R. Kramer

Joanne R. Kramer, 79, of Guilderland, NY and Naples, FL passed peacefully with her family at her side at Albany Medical Center on Monday, July 22, 2013 after a sudden illness. Born in Schenectady, NY she was the daughter of Samuel and Sayde Frisch, and was sister to Elaine Cohn and Merwin Frisch, both deceased. Joanne was a graduate of Syracuse University with a BA in English. After college, she was employed for several years as a copywriter by General Electric at Knolls Atomic Power Labs where she worked closely with the nuclear scientists. In 1966, Joanne married Sanford Kramer, became a homemaker and focused on raising her two children. During the 1980's she also was a volunteer for the local Girl Scouts, where she was in charge of the annual cookie sales. Upon Sanford's passing in 1988, Joanne took over the family businesses and became the President of M. Kramer & Sons, Inc., a mechanical contracting business, and its affiliate Colvin Supply, Inc. After selling the family businesses, Joanne became an avid volunteer for many organizations and charities including Hadassah, Congregation Beth Emeth, and ran the Beth Emeth gift shop. Joanne was also a past president of the Sisterhood for a number of years. In her retirement Joanne wintered in Naples, an area she came to hold dear and which she greatly enjoyed. Joanne remained active in her retirement and enjoyed bridge, the ballet, symphony and opera. Loved by those she touched for her kindness, she will be greatly missed. Joanne is survived by son Steven Kramer of Menands, NY and daughter Laura Kramer and beloved grandson Fineas Taylor of Barrington, RI. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces and her dear great nephews, Jake and Drew of New Canaan, CT. Services at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road, Albany, NY on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in the Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, NY The period of mourning will bo observed at the Kramer residence, 42 Upper Wedgewood Lane in Voorheesville, NY on Thursday from 7-9pm Contributions in her memory may be made to the Congregation Beth Emeth Sisterhood.