BVM religious taught elementary school on Kauai
Sister Mary Joel Kramer, a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary who taught in Catholic elementary schools on Kauai from 1954 to 1961, died July 13 at Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 92. She entered the convent 75 years ago.
Sister Mary Joel taught eighth grade at Holy Cross School, Kalaheo, from 1954 to 1955, and fifth, seventh and eighth grade at St. Catherine School in Kapaa from 1955 to 1961.
She was born in LeMars, Iowa, on July 17, 1921, to Joseph Bernard and Margaret (Kenney) Kramer. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, more commonly known as the BVM congregation, from Holy Name Parish, Marcus, Iowa, on Sept. 8, 1939.
She professed first vows on March 19, 1942, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1947.
Sister Mary Joel also taught elementary school in Rapid City, S.D.; Chicago; and Fort Dodge, Manly, Council Bluffs and Sioux City, Iowa, where she also served for many years as a licensed practical nurse and in hospice and home health care. She also worked in food service at the BVM Center of Mount Carmel in Dubuque.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Fern Addy, Nan Strasser, Patricia Slebodnik and Ruth Fenton Weis; and an adopted brother Robert Kenney. She is survived by a sister Marge (Maggie) Kistel of Safety Harbor, Fla.; nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM.
She was buried at the Mount Carmel cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003, or online at www.bvmcong.org/whatsnew_obits.cfm.
