Eda Kramer

On November 10, 2025, Eda's body freed her spirit in the same manner with which she lived - without struggle or complaint. Even during the hardest of times, she maintained an accepting nature and ease, flowing with life's forces as they came. Her steadfast faith in God provided comfort amid an ever-changing world.

 Eda (Donatelli) Kramer was born September 15, 1937 in East Boston to parents Assunta (Camarda) and Augusto Donatelli. As the youngest sibling by ten years and having lost her parents at a young age, Eda's character was strongly shaped by her sister Toni, brother Walter, sister Elsa, brother-in-law Raymond DeSanctis, and Zia Maria. They instilled in her the qualities of generosity, perseverance, compassion, and integrity. Eda grew up to be ever nurturing toward her siblings and their children.

 Eda graduated from Girls' High followed by Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and would say about education and other pursuits, "if you're going to commit to something, do it with gusto!" In her twenties, she explored various interests, including piano, acting, and drums. She chose to pursue vocal training and never stopped encouraging others to sing!

 Following a long-distance relationship and a special matchmaking intervention by her beloved Aunt Maria, Eda married Ken Kramer in 1964. While working in Boston, Eda was raising her daughters Melissa, Valerie, and Andrea, alongside her beloved furry pals, Lady and Jack. She and Ken created a fun nurturing home where friends and strangers were truly welcomed at any time and for any length of stay. She adored her granddaughters, Emily and Olivia Charles, and relished hearing their thoughts and hopes. Eda had an authentic curiosity to know and be a friend to her daughters' "husbands", Tom Maglio, Tom Dunn, and Peter Charles. She cherished her amazing girlfriends, as well as nephews, nieces, cousins, and sisters- and brothers-in-law with whom she shared silliness and meaningful conversation in equal measure.

 In addition to fulfilling her passion for performing on stage and keeping attorneys' offices efficient, Eda was a lifelong learner with enthusiasm for holistic wellness, medicine, history, and art. On rare occasions, Eda conquered her fear of flying so that she and Ken could enjoy places like Hawaii, Italy, and England. One of her favorite settings, however, was being at the ocean on this coast, close to home and family. One of her greatest pleasures was creating a gathering place for holidays, birthdays, and summer fun by the pool - her and Ken's home always overflowing with people, music, and food. You'd regularly find her gliding around the kitchen and managing four ovens while laughing to tears at her nephew's irreverent jokes.

 She held strong convictions about the importance of education, regular philanthropy, and the duty to be an upstanding citizen, especially when no one is watching. Simple pleasures were all that Eda needed; she would often stop in her tracks to cherish a moment of awe within nature. With sensitivity and curiosity, Eda experienced the emotions of others on a deep level. As you shared your triumph or dilemma with her, she had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the universe. Planet Eda was a rare and special place.

 We will miss her each day and envision her reuniting with her daughter Valerie, friends, relatives, and pooches in the spirit realm. We thank the professionals who cared for Eda with great warmth and respect at home and at Brooksby's Continuing Care.

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Eda, please consider donating to an organization whose mission moves your heart. She was fond of many, including Veterans Administration, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, MSPCA, and public television.

Friends and family are welcomed to a Funeral Mass honoring Eda's life at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 17 Grove St. in Lynnfield on Tuesday, November 18 at 10:00 AM. Please meet at church. Internment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Join for a celebration of life luncheon at Spinelli's, located on Route One South in Lynnfield (official address: 10 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960).