Sister Mary Marcella Kramer

Dec. 18, 2012

Sister Mary Marcella Kramer, RSM, 100, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy, died at Mercy Center, Dallas, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012.

Sister Marcella was born January 10, 1912 in Fenelton, Pa., and was the daughter of Edward and Mary Schuler Kramer. Sister Marcella entered the Sisters of Mercy on Feb. 2, 1929, in Cresson, Pa. and professed her vows on Aug. 15, 1931.

Following her profession, Sister Marcella ministered for 14 years in the orphanage attached to the Leper Hospital, in Mahaica, (then) British Guiana. There she "mothered" the hundreds of children separated from their parents who were afflicted with Hansen's disease.

When she returned to the United States after World War II, she ministered at the former Sylvan Heights Orphanage in Harrisburg, and in a number of the elementary schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg and Altoona-Johnstown.

Sister Marcella has been a resident of Mercy Center Personal Care since 2002, where she continued to thrive and was the epitome of optimism and grace. In the afternoons, Sister Marcella enjoyed listening to classical music as she crocheted baby blankets and booties.

Last year, Sister Marcella's large family traveled from all over the country to Mercy Center for her 100th birthday to celebrate the life of this wonderful, lively woman of Mercy.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Philip, Ray, Paul, Ted and Pete.

Sister Marcella is survived by her sister, Mildred Reott, Taylor, Mich., and her brothers, Harold Kramer, Fenelton, Pa., and Daniel, Wyandote, Mich. Sister was fortunate to have many devoted nieces and nephews, including Audrey and Don Stomber, Mich., who traveled to visit Sister on many occasions.

Sister Marcella will be greatly missed by her Sisters of Mercy.

Transferal to Mercy Center will be on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, with a prayer service at 2 p.m. followed by visiting hours until 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mercy Center on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

Memorial contributions, in the name of Sister Marcella Kramer may be made to, Mercy Center, PO Box 370, Dallas, PA 18612.

Arrangements are by E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.