Thelma Kramer
August 4, 1925 – June 17, 2017
Thelma Gottesman Bleich Kramer was born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Ethel & Morris Gottesman. She raised her family in Oceanside, New York before moving to San Diego, California in 1973, residing in La Jolla and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Being a devoted member of the Jewish community was important to Thelma; she was past president of the Sisterhood of the Oceanside Jewish Center in Oceanside, NY, and a life member and former President of the San Diego Chapter of Brandeis National Committee. Thelma lived for her family; and she was lucky to have so many of her loved ones throughout California. Cooking and hosting meals, sharing passed-down traditions and celebrating family milestones was what Thelma loved most. As her extended family grew, Thelma made it a priority to travel to visit her grand and great-grandchildren, as they settled in all corners of the world. Throughout her time in California, Thelma maintained her New York roots; visiting Long Island frequently and reconnecting with friends from her childhood. Her enthusiasm for life always made her in high demand and her calendar full, whether it was playing mahjong with her girlfriends, shopping with her granddaughters, or traveling throughout Europe with her grandson. No matter how busy Thelma was, she always made time to spend with her 5 adult children, actively involved in their lives, lending her ear, and always offering support.
Pre-deceased by her husband, Oscar Bleich and second husband Harold Kramer, Thelma is survived by her daughters, Bonnie (Robert) Hepps, Karen (Stephen) Lucas, Marlene (John) Okulick, her step-children Clifford (Amanda) Kramer, Susan (Artie) Ohl, her 10 grandchildren and her 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held graveside at El Camino Memorial Park, San Diego on Wednesday, June 21 at noon. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, designating The Hunger Project or the Rabbi Bernstein Fund at 858-535-1111.