Virginia M. Kramer, of Traverse City, Michigan, died peacefully at the age of 87 on September 20, 2009. Our mother began her life in Toledo, Ohio, on November 15, 1921. She lost her mother at the tender age of two but was guided through life by her father, Harvey and her loving Grandmother,Hattie and her two Aunts, Laura and Mabel. After graduating from Notre Dame High School, Mom moved to Washington, D.C., and was employed as a secretary for the Department of War and later the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her time living in Foggy Bottom was fondly reminisced with her children. She then met her future husband Ted, in November, of 1947, and ten months and two weeks later she became Mrs. Ted Kramer. Mom and Dad began their family in Portland, Oregon in 1948. During the four years that they were there they had two sons, Gary and Keith and a daughter, Kitty. Dad was transferred to Detroit and our family grew with the twins, Pat and Mike followed by Ted Jr. In 1956, the family moved to Traverse City and settled in at 1201 Randolph St. Mom became an active member at Immaculate Conception Church and school. She was a member of St. Patrick's Circle, room mother and library volunteer. Mom and Dad added the last new member of our family Judy, in 1958. The eight of us never slowed Mom down. Mom learned how to play golf and joined the 9 Holers at Traverse City Golf and Country Club. Never learning how to ski because, "who would take care of the family, if I broke my leg"? However, she was always at the ski hill and respectfully earned the "Gatekeeper of the year award" from the Grand Traverse Ski Club, in the never-ending support of her children's activities. Mom was a classic homemaker, collected recipes to augment her wonderful cooking, a nutritionist, (before it became popular), an avid reader, and crafter. She was remembered by her friends as a good listener, a woman with a keen sense of humor, an endearing giggle and was quick to lend a helping hand. Mom contributed to many causes along with the Father Fred Foundation. She was a busy Mom not only to her children, but the back door was always opened to many "Westside boys and girls". She loved to cook and always prepared more food than needed, ready for any back door visitors. She will be missed by her husband Ted; her children Gary, wife Kathleen, grandchildren, Casey and Tyler; son, Keith, wife, Karen, grandchildren, Kristin and Matthew; daughter, Kitty, husband, Jim, granddaughters, Sara and Kaylin; son, Pat, wife, Linda, grandchildren, Courtney and Patrick; son Michael; son Teddy, wife Kathy; daughter Judy, husband Geoff, grandchildren, Max and Maddy. Visitation will be today, Thursday, from 5-7pm, with a Rosary at 7pm, at Immaculate Conception Church. Funeral Mass Celebration will be tomorrow, Friday, at 10am also at Immaculate Conception Church. Please share thoughts with the family at Virginia's on-line guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The Family is being served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. I love you Virginia. We love you Mom. We love you Grandma.