Vilma C. Kraemer

Vilma C. Kraemer, 82, of Barnegat, NJ, passed on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center of Neptune, NJ. Born in Newark, NJ , Vilma grew up in Elizabeth,  New Jersey.  The daughter of loving, hard working Portuguese immigrants, Joaquim and Estrelina, She excelled at school, enjoyed spending time with her older sister Aline and her cherished cousin Aurora, to whom she credits for lovingly caring for her children so she could work at the FBI as a legal secretary.  When Vilma met and married the love of her life Charlie Kraemer (picture star crossed lovers at the produce section at Foodfair), they lived in the second-floor apartment above her mom for eight long years and saved to buy a lovely home in Union where they lived with their children Steven and Lori. It was a perfect location because her sister’s family, including her nephew Glen (more like her 2nd son!) was right around the corner and the school system was excellent.  Sundays were always spent with “Vovo”, who continued to live in Elizabeth. During that time she also worked for 38 years as a paralegal for Shanley and Fisher, and her sharp intellect and attention to detail was greatly appreciated by the partners at the firm.  She was involved with her community and loved putting on plays at the Knights of Columbus where she met wonderful lifelong friends.  When she and Charlie retired to the Mirage in Barnegat, she continued to be an active community member by performing in the choir, joining the Red Hat ladies, book club, and the Mirage players.  Over the years, she enjoyed many trips to Florida to their second home in Melbourne Beach where they spent time with their son and his family. Vilma had a gift for making and maintaining lifelong friendships, and sadly, many have departed this earth but one in particular she will be grateful to be reunited  with is her incredible friend Bette Badal.  It turns out the Mirage was a great place to live because she continued to create deep bonds with friends who soon became much more like family, especially Barbara snd Tony,  her “sister” Jeanette, her “bro” Burley and “sis” Mary.  Vilma‘s favorite holiday was Christmas and her favorite Christmas tradition was leading the family in a rousing and joyful rendition of  “the 12 days of Christmas”,  often snatching the coveted  “5 golden rings” solo! Of all the gifts she enjoyed in this life, there were none more precious than the bond and love she had with “the cousins”, her children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses , and great-grandchildren. They provided her with endless joy and pride.  The greatest gift of all was her 63 year marriage to Charlie,  to whom she was a loving and devoted wife, and he will miss her dearly.  

She is survived by her beloved husband of sixty-three years, Charles; loving children, Lori, and her husband, Peter Wisniewski and Steven, and his wife, Robin Kraemer; four cherished grandchildren, Colleen, Tiffany, Emily (Danny) and Peter (Nikki) and three great-grandchildren, Georgie, Summer and Mason. She is pre-deceased by her sister, Aline Pacheco.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 2-4:30 PM, with a Blessing to follow at 4:30 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, NJ. (www.BarnegatFH.com) 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia would be greatly appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vilma C. Kraemer, please visit our floral store.