Sr. Kathleen Cramer Celebrates 60 Years as a Notre Dame Sister
For Immediate Release (July 12, 2023) — The Notre Dame community proudly recognizes Sister Kathleen Cramer, ND, for her contributions and commitment to education, finance, and community service. With a career spanning over five decades, Sr. Kathleen’s dedication has touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible impact on the community she serves.
Born in Omaha in 1942 to Dwight and Anne (Stancic) Cramer, Sr. Kathleen’s journey of faith and service began at a young age. Baptized in St. Mary’s Church in Omaha, she grew up in a nurturing environment that instilled in her the values of truthfulness, organization, and a sense of humor (sometimes wicked).
Mid-way through her high school education at Notre Dame Academy, Sr. Kathleen embarked on a lifelong commitment to the Notre Dame Sisters, entering the aspiranture during her sophomore year. On August 12, 1961, she received the religious habit, marking a significant milestone in her journey of faith.
“I first started thinking about becoming a Notre Dame Sister when I was in the 8th Grade and read a story in the CATHOLIC MISS magazine about a girl named Kathy who went to the convent. That year Sr. Margaret Pustka also suggested it. I finally mentioned it to Sr. Agatha Faimon when I was a sophomore. I asked my parents one evening while we were watching “Highway Patrol.” Mom went into the kitchen to do the dishes. My dad said okay if it was what I really wanted to do. I became a candidate after Christmas that year.”
Sr. Kathleen’s passion for education led her to St. Mary’s College, where she honed her teaching skills and nurtured her desire to make a difference in the lives of others, especially for those who found learning more of a challenge. In 1965 she began her teaching career which spanned a total of seven years in the elementary grades and thirteen years in high school in Omaha, Cedar Rapids, IA and Wahoo, NE.
In 1985, Sr. Kathleen’s journey took a new turn as she transitioned into the roles of bookkeeper, office manager, and desktop publisher at the Archdiocesan Family Life Office. In 2007, she began working for the Archdiocesan Finance Office as a bookkeeper until retirement in 2020.
Today, Sr. Kathleen continues to serve the community in various capacities. Since Covid, she has taken up baking bread and frequently enjoys trying new recipes. (“Treats,” especially on holidays, often find their way to the other Sisters.) Sr. Kathleen also serves as a back-up driver for the Sisters’ medical trips, extending her support to ensure their well-being. She’s also been heard to say that “computers are my favorite toy” and has helped other Sisters with computer tasks.
Sr. Kathleen serves on the Notre Dame Finance Committee and assists the nursing coordinator, Sister Veronica Jo. Her presence and involvement in these roles demonstrate her commitment to the well-being of her fellow sisters and the larger community.
As we celebrate Sr. Kathleen Cramer’s lifetime of dedication and service, let us express our heartfelt gratitude for her commitment to education, finance, and community service.
About The Notre Dame Sisters
We are a group of consecrated Catholic women dedicated to serving God, each other, and our world. Through our service and ministries, we strive to meet the unmet needs of those in our community and throughout the world. As we continue to respond to the call of Christ as women of faith and prayer, we commit ourselves to building a world Christian community in joyful, loving service to others. We have served in Omaha for more than 100 years, mostly as educators, nurses, and social workers.