Mary Ann Kraemer

Mary Ann Kraemer, nee Bauerlein, 87, of Riverside, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Mary Ann was born to Juletta Marie and Vincent Andrew Bauerlein on July 26, 1935 in Holton, Kansas, and lived there until moving west to California, with her tight-knit, loving family, in 1947.

Mary Ann graduated from Fullerton High School in 1953, where she enjoyed modern dance and modeling club, and imbued the cheerleader squad with her vivacious friendliness. She went on to Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles, CA, serving as Class President while studying English and minoring in Spanish. Mary Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as her elementary teaching certificate, in 1957. Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald James Kraemer, who had always liked the friendly girl from Kansas since her first day at St. Mary's School in Fullerton in 7th grade.

A class of fourth graders at Newport Beach Elementary School was fortunate to be the only group to have Mrs.Kraemer as their dedicated classroom teacher before Mary Ann and Don began their own family in 1958. Family and faith were the cornerstones of Mary Ann's allegiances, and seven lucky children were born into her care between 1958 and 1971. She continued her teaching prowess at home with weekly trips to the library, an emphasis on education, curiosity about literacy and words, and a structured discipline full of love and encouragement. Mary Ann was a dedicated church and community member wherever she lived, and graced St. Edward's parish in Corona and St. Thomas Church and School in Riverside with her time and talents- teaching Catholic education evening classes, serving on school boards, Stephen Ministries, and Riverside Public Library's literacy programs for adults.

An unfailingly loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend, she was known for her positive outlook, beautiful smile, organizational skills, and discerning mind. Possessing a wonderful blend of German diligence and Irish charm, Mary Ann's sense of purpose was coupled with an appreciation for the beauty of the moment at hand. Her beloved father was known to say that "when Mary Ann walks in the room, she brings sunshine with her.”

Preceded in death in late 2020 by Don, her husband of 63 years, and previously by her older brothers Vincent and Richard (Dick), Mary Ann is survived by her younger sisters Judi and Sally, and by her children: Don Jr. (Per Maria), Kevin (Evelyn), Julie (Charlie), Greg (Louise), Nancy (Mark), Katie (David), and Patty (Steve). Her sixteen grandchildren Sophia, Samuel, Rowan, Zachary, Alexa, Chandler, Luke, Benjamin, Will, Julia Claire, Andrew, Christopher, Henry, Elena, Emily, and Daniel will treasure her memory and example of a life well-lived.

Mary Ann will be missed deeply but has gone to be with the love of her life, with whom many a song has been sung, nearly nightly a homemade meal shared, and a retirement full of sunsets appreciated together from their home near the citrus groves, which supported their family.

Mary Ann's life will be honored at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 30. The funeral will begin at 2:30 p.m., preceded by a Rosary at 2 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life for our Mary Ann & Don together following the service. She will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange on Thursday, December 1. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her are asked to consider a donation in her name to Habitat for Humanity or to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Kraemer family.