Mary Kremer-Hartrick
January 19, 1935 - July 20, 2019
Obituary
Mary Kremer-Hartrick, 84, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 20, 2019 in Bellevue, Wash. She was born January 19, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Mich. to John and Harriet (DeKruyter) Kremer. She was predeceased by her father and mother, sister Margaret, grandson Aaron and son-in-law Derrick. She is survived by her brother John (Jackie); children, Merideth, Heather (John) and John (Jeanette); grandchildren, Kevin (Aubree), Emily (Jason), Brian, Sarah, Wyatt, Leah, Mimi, Peter, Lily, Julia, Sadie, Christopher, Angela and Jason; great grandson Kaizer, several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by ex-husband and close friend Fred (Kathy).
She graduated from Oberlin College in 1958 and earned her master’s degree from University of Buffalo in 1973. She was a music teacher for 31 years, primarily in the Grand Island (N.Y.) Central School district, where she taught elementary school and served as choral director. She also worked nearly 20 years as a organist and choir director at various churches, most prominently St. Martin in the Fields on Grand Island. She was a piano and voice teacher for 25 years before fully retiring in 1996. Additionally, she directed the housing and transportation at Artpark Center for the Performing Arts in Lewiston, N.Y. for eight years.
Her volunteer and church work was extensive and included stints as Eucharistic Minister at Christ Church in Binghamton and most recently at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island, Wash. She also was an Associate to the Sisters of St. Margaret Episcopal Religious Order. In retirement, she enjoyed precious time with her grandchildren in Rochester, Binghamton and for the last eight years, in Seattle. Her musical talents impacted and inspired hundreds of school children throughout her career. She cherished family and enjoyed all the special occasions of celebration.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 25 at Emmanuel Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Emmanuel Church Music Fund (https://www.emmanuelmi.org/) or the Aaron Matthew SIDS Research Guild (giveToStopSIDS.org).
My deepest condolences to the family. Mary was a wonderful teacher and friend to all who had the honor of knowing her.
Mary was part of the family at WSKG. She spent countless hours doing many different tasks. I’m sure she was just as devoted to her other causes. Thank you Mary! Prayers for her family and friends during this difficult time.
I will always have fond memories of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loved her. God bless.
I worked with Mary at Sidway and Huth Rd school. She was unusually talented in helping children to love music. She was very easy to be with. I considered her a dear friend.I am very saddened to learn of her passing. We retired together in 1996. The world is a little darker without her. Rest In Peace Mary.
Our deepest condlences for you our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Meridith ,Heather and John,
So sorry to hear about your mothers passing. In addition to be well respected music educator she was a great neighbor and friend. I have may happy memories with your mother and getting driven around in her VW Rabbit. Best wishes to you. David Macaluso
Dear Merideth, Heather and John,
I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have often thought of her in recent years remembering what a smart, talented and giving person she was. She was a role model and close friend for so many years as a colleague at Huth Rd. School. Most admired for raising three fine “kids”!
My heart goes out to you all.