On Sept. 30, 1937, Henry and Thelma (Wilcox) Gurnsey welcomed a new baby girl to the family. Noreen Ann Gurnsey was born in the little village of Paw Paw.
At a time when the country was still recovering from the Great Depression, new challenges were facing the world. Families and neighbors came together to help one another during these tough times. Noreen and her little sister, Shirley, were growing up during this time of uncertainty.
Noreen graduated from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, where she earned her degree in accounting.
She married Bob Cramer on June 3, 1961, and they lived in Kalamazoo. The couple relocated to Lawton in 1971, where they would raise their family.
Noreen worked for Gibson Guitar Co., Kalamazoo; however, she left that job to settle as a homemaker when they adopted Rodney. After moving to Lawton, Noreen went back to work where she worked in several different office jobs, before she went to work in Mattawan at Engineered Plastic Components. Noreen loved her job with EPC.
Noreen and Bob had a cabin in Baldwin, MI, where they spent most weekends in the summer. In her retirement, Noreen and Bob enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. After traveling to Florida and Arizona looking for a second home, they settled on the small town of Donna, TX, where they wintered. The community in Donna welcomed them with open arms. Noreen was in the choir and joined the Red Hat Society, in the community there.
In addition, Noreen and Robert loved to travel to Las Vegas, NV, so much that they would visit twice a year, at times. Noreen also loved shopping, especially garage sales and thrift stores. She was always seeking out a great bargain. Noreen also enjoyed canning and baking, as well as spending time with her dog, Spencer John.
Noreen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cramer, Jan. 31, 2019; her son, Rodney Cramer; and her sister, Shirley Barry.
She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Van Niman; two grandchildren, Jennifer Van Niman and Ken Van Niman.
Noreen passed away Nov. 17, 2020, at White Oaks Assisted Living, Lawton. Services were held Monday, Nov. 23, at Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Burial took place at Wildey Cemetery, Paw Paw.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.
Share a memory or sign the tribute wall at: www.adamspawpaw.com.
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