Phyllis A. Cramer

Phyllis A. (Parmelee) Cramer, died Tuesday, December 20, 2011 in Shrewsbury with her daughters at her side. She was 74.

Born on November 22, 1937 in Barberton, Ohio, Phyllis 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 to Shrewsbury in 1986. Mindful of her roots, loyalty and love of Ohio she also loved living in New England.

While in Ohio she taught 6th grade at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Upon moving to Shrewsbury she tutored teens at the Oxford House for many years.

Gifted in hand, she was a talented knitter, 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 an online support groups for folks battling anxiety and depression.

Her husband of 50 years, Richard E. Cramer died November 26, 2009.

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 Parmelee II of Barberton, Ohio; three grandchildren: Samuel and Evan Harnois and Amelia Mancini; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Phyllis' life by gathering for calling hours at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Friday, December 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday morning where her Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. 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, in c/o YOU Inc., 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, 01604.

To view Phyllis' on-line tribute, share a memory or offer a condolence please visit

www.healdchiampa.com