ROBERTA MARY CRAMER (DYER)

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ROBERTA MARY CRAMER (nee DYER) 1926 - 2017 Surrounded by the love of her family near and far, our sweet and beautiful mother, loving grandmother, aunt and loyal friend, Roberta Mary Cramer and her radiant soul, slipped the bonds of our world while sleeping peacefully on the morning of Tuesday January 24, 2017. She was a most special gift to all of us for 90 years. Her recent sufferings now ended, she returns into the eternal arms of God and the loving embraces of Bill, her husband of 55 years, her departed family - mom, Maud and dad, Sandy Dyer, siblings, Don, Betty, Gordon, Victor, Thelma and Thomas, and many friends who preceded her. Surely, they are now enjoying a superb reunion with their beloved Roberta. Roberta is deeply mourned by her sons, Gregory and Garth, daughter-in-law, Kelly, her precious grandchildren, Jordan, Paige and husband Dustin, Cloe and Francois and their moms, Michele and Mona; Cloe and fiancée, Kyle and Francois's partner, Santana, and Roberta's great-grandchildren, Lilly and Kolt. She is also survived by sisters, Lorraine and Norma, the grand extended Dyer clan, and many nieces and nephews on the Cramer side. Roberta was born on June 25, 1926 in Popular Point and was raised and schooled in Portage La Prairie. It was there during the war she first met her handsome 'Fly-Boy' Bill whom she married in 1949. Shortly thereafter they moved to Morden where they built happy and full lives and raised their sons. During her 66 years in Morden, Roberta created a rich and full legacy of community service. A decades long active member and three time President of the Royal Canadian Legion's Auxiliary, she was bestowed the rare Meritorious Medal by National Command for her devotion and life-time service to the Legion and many local charities it supports. The wife, daughter and sister of those who served Canada in war, the honouring of veterans had a special place in her heart. She organized and led Morden's annual Poppy campaign for many years and was part of the Legion's commemorative activities for Remembrance Day Services for decades. She was a steadfast member of Portage La Prairie's St. Mary's and Morden's St. Thomas Anglican Churches. Her Faith provided a home for her deep belief in God and Christ, and was the foundation for her abundant gifts of generosity, goodness and special talent to create a wide range of friendships. Born to serve, Mom was a selfless community volunteer, always cheerfully willing to lead or support any task - however small. Her active involvement meant Roberta was widely known, respected and admired as someone special. She convened literally hundreds of banquets, teas and special occasions for families and organizations. A typical day would find her at 'The Hall' preparing meals or decorating the venue for an occasion - a talent for which always was in demand. If a certain touch was needed for an event, ceremony, float or occasion, Mom was usually the 'go to' person. The words 'No' or 'I am too busy' were not in her vocabulary - which meant there were usually several projects on the go at any time. She was also a half century plus member of the Rebekah Lodge, serving many roles including Noble Grand. Thrice she was Chair and 'unofficial mom' of the Corn and Apple Queen pageant, and was a regular visitor to old friends at the Tabor Home until she herself was well into her 80s. This was all rounded out with support and canvassing for various local charities. Always on the go, only recent failing health which robbed her of her mobility and eyesight would eventually and frustratingly stop Roberta. For the decades of faithful service Roberta was honoured with Morden's Community Service Citizen of the Year Award in 2001. This citation provided at the award ceremony captures her essence - "She has simply touched the lives of so many in serving her community." Her modesty equaled her generosity; because for Roberta it was always about giving back to the community and others. She viewed it as her personal and civic duty and not deserving special mention. Through her life Mom contributed to the family coffers working at a local women's wear store and Ridley' Drug Store, and was Morden's Welcome Wagon Host to new residents. In her 'spare' time Mom loved singing (a long time member of her church choir), enjoyed music of all kinds, and applied her creative talents to decorating, sewing and gardening. She also was an avid curler and fan who never missed watching televised curling events or Bonspiels. Like many of the 'Greatest Generation' who experienced the hardships and sacrifices of the Great Depression and Second World War, Mom and Dad loved socializing. The Cramer household was a frequent hub for gatherings with their many friends or family, with food, good cheer, laughing and singing always present. All of her pursuits, however, took a back seat to her family, and she was actively and fully invested in the lives, personal achievements and interests of her children and grandchildren of whom she was so proud. She loved being a grandma. Roberta was renowned for her generous, positive and friendliness, sunny and gentle disposition and bright and irresistible laugh - all of which revealed the special light which shone from deep within her. Special heartfelt thanks to Mom's personal 'Angels of Mercy' - nieces, Patricia Allan, Natalie Woods, Cathy Cramer (Adam and Al), and special Homestead chum Bev Coveney, who generously provided comfort and huge assistance as Mom's health declined. We are immensely grateful for all you did to lighten her troubles during her twilight years! Also, huge appreciation to the 'Homestead Ladies' and staff that made her last home so welcoming. Immense thanks to Dr. Duff who defined the meaning of compassionate and respectful medical care for so many years. As well, the team of Home Care nursing staff, Marianna and Adriana, the care aides and the staff at the Boundary Trails Health Centre for their help during her occasional stays in recent years. Special gratitude to the amazing team of nursing and care staff at the Morris Hospital for their compassion, and sensitive and attentive personal care during Mom's last five weeks. Cremation has taken place. Interment, followed by a celebration and service for Roberta's rich life will take place at St. Mary's Anglican Church. This event will be deferred until spring, closer to Roberta and Bill's wedding anniversary on May 11. Details will be provided closer to this event. Flowers graciously declined. Any donations in honour of Mom can be made to Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation. Mom's gifts of laughter, generosity and love for life enriched all of us in ways beyond measure. To know Roberta, was to love her. Good bye sweet and gentle soul. You will be greatly missed! Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden In care of arrangements wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2017