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Shirley Kramer Obituary
Shirley (Gold) Kramer died peacefully at home in Haydenville, MA on December 28. Born in New York City in 1917 to Anna and Harry Gold, she was an exhibiting artist and teacher who touched hundreds of lives and made friends wherever she went. Shirley earned degrees in art from Brooklyn College and an Ed.D. from Columbia University in 1971. She taught at the Queens Youth Center for the Arts in the 1950s and taught art education at Queens College from 1962-2012. Shirley's kindness, love, unfettered creativity, and the sparkle with which she approached life brought joy to those around her. She cared deeply for people and was interested in everyone. Her loss is felt keenly by a wide circle of family, friends, colleagues, and students.
A lifelong resident of New York, Shirley spent her last year with her daughters in Florida and Massachusetts, surrounded by her new family of friends. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Jack Kramer, Shirley is survived by her daughters Ellen Goldfarb and Nancy Mahoney, and grandchildren Lisa, Katie, and Dan.
A memorial gathering is planned for the spring. If so moved, donations may be made to the Scholarships and Staff Development Fund of the Queens College (CUNY) Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Kramer
Joanne SCHOEN
January 5, 2024
Dr Shirley Kramer was my art education professor at Queens College 1992-1994
I am grateful every day as I teach my art classes that she was my professor
I have her photo on my desk
Thank you Shirley for being such an amazing inspiration in my life
Joanne SCHOEN O´Shaughnessy
January 6, 2023
I am so grateful to have had Dr Kramer as my art education professor at queens college.
A photo of her sits on my desk at Selden middle school and I pray I am making her proud as I am in my 30 year of teaching middle school art. Thank you Dr Kramer!
January 9, 2015
I was so inspired by Dr. Kramer when she was my professor at Queens College in 1993-96. I kept in touch with her and sent her holiday cards and she even welcomed me to visit her in 2011. She was a wonderful artist, teacher and woman and I keep her photo on my desk in my art room at work. She will always be in my memories and she continues to inspire me as a middle school art teacher even after 21 years! All my Love and gratitude Shirley! --Joanne Schoen O'Shaughnessy
August 31, 2014
My Professor of art ed. at Queens College fourteen years ago. She was an amazing artist and an great inspiration to me.
Caren Besner
January 18, 2014
Without your mother's kindness, generosity, and great sense of humor I don't think college would've been so much fun. She tapped into our hearts and fostered creativity and collaboration. We all were one and no one was left behind. She became one of my dearest friends and I will forever be grateful for not only having her in my life, but getting the chance to know her beautiful family. We wish all of you much comfort and peace ...
Peter Loh
January 15, 2014
Nancy, I'm sorry for your loss. This world has definitely lost a very wonderful and loving person.
fran Goebel
January 14, 2014
Nancy my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May GOD watch over all of you in this time of sorrow Your mom will surely be missed.RIP Shirley
January 12, 2014
A wonderful woman. I send you much love.
Deborah Todd
January 12, 2014
all my love...
Eva Gumprecht
January 12, 2014
I have such wonderful memories of your mother from when we were teenagers. She was definitely one of the coolest moms around. Bright, vibrant, funny, creative. A truly large presence in this world.
January 11, 2014
So sorry to read this Nancy. I always enjoyed seeing her at the Village Green. Jeanne Larareo
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
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