Helen Elizabeth Kramer, 94, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully at her home on Monday, February 3rd.
Born Oct. 29, 1925, she was the daughter and only child of the late Eugene and Elizabeth Etcher McConnell. Helen was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Holy Trinity High School. She and her husband, Bob Kramer, now deceased, remained in the DC and Southern Maryland area until 1973, when Bob moved the family to Pinehurst to pursue his career in real estate. After her husband’s passing in 1994, she took over the leadership role in their business, Pinehurst Area Realty (aka PAR) where she played an active part until 2010, acting as president of the family real estate, construction and development company. Her welcoming nature of hospitality and genuine interest in others served her well both in her personal and professional life. She was quick to laugh, always had a story to share, freely offered advice, whether sought out or not, and loved her family with an everlasting love. She never knew a stranger and was often found holding court with “new friends” wherever she went. Although not a golfer, she dearly loved Pinehurst and seamlessly created a wonderful life for her transplanted family, hosting 45 years of Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving holidays and various celebrations from birthdays to weddings in the home she loved located off Course #2. As the family grew in number so did her heart. And somehow Mom Mom, as she was lovingly called, found time to make each and every one feel especially loved. No greater joy did she have than being surrounded by her ever growing family. How an only child became the central figure that bound such a large family together in love is a bit of a mystery and the blessing of the legacy she has left us.
In addition to her dedication to family and business, she was a founding member and first president of the Women of the Pines and member of The Questers and various bridge groups. Helen was appreciative of being named an honorary member of the Midland CC Ladies golf group where they began an annual tournament in her honor. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at their beach home in Oak Island, also a gathering place for family and friends, where her children will continue to celebrate and honor her memory as they share it with their friends and family.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Robert Lewis Kramer and son Stuart. She is survived by her children, Charlene Preston and husband, Steve, of Charlotte, Barbara Klug and husband, Bob, of Pinehurst, Deborah Kramer of Charleston, S.C., Jack Kramer and wife, Betty, of Carthage and Rob Kramer of Pinehurst. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren: Stephanie Preston (Ken) Dean Preston (Amy), Lauren Heuber (Bobby), Mark Klug (Amy), Christina Klug, John Fowler, Ryan Kramer (Tiffany), Jay Kramer (Holly), Marley Mangum (Seth) and Madison Kramer; and her 14 great – grandchildren: Ella, Landis, Moss, Hadley, Burns, Emilia, Helen, Mathis, Caroline, Kenzie, Luke, Jenessa, Kennedy and Renesmee.
The family would like to thank all of the caregivers for their tireless devotion and dedication as they lovingly cared for “Mum” over the past 9 years, especially Neth “Mia” Brown, Ann Apostol and Christine Adams. Each brought a special gift and insight into fulfilling her physical, personal and spiritual needs for which we are forever grateful.
The family will receive friends at Helen’s home, 25 Muster Branch Rd., Pinehurst, on Saturday February 22nd from 2:00 – 4:30 for a Celebration of Life. Additional details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Friend to Friend, Food Bank CENC Sandhills, The Village Heritage Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
