Chem prof. suffers heart attack, dies
Published: Monday, October 15, 2012
Updated: Monday, April 22, 2013 19:04
 "Photo: Courtesy of the University of Delaware.")
Courtesy of the University of Delaware.
Mary Beth Kramer taught chemistry.
Mary Beth Kramer, a university chemistry professor, died of a heart attack in her home on Sunday.
“This came with little or no warning,” John L. Burmeister, alumni distinguished professor and associate chairperson of the chemistry department stated in an email message.
Kramer was a resident of West Chester, Pa.
Kramer graduated from Villanova University and went on to receive her Master’s of Science degree from the University of Delaware in 1976, Burmeister said. After working in the field for the next 10 years, she joined the university faculty in 1986.
“She has been an integral part of our CHEM-103/104 instructional program ever since,” Burmeister said.
He said her passing has created a huge void in the department, but in many ways Kramer was more of a daughter than a colleague to him.
The instructor is survived by her husband Geoff, three grown children, Kirsten, Jennifer and Kurt and roughly 800 CHEM-103/104 students. Burmeister said Kramer and her husband shared a passion for hiking, especially in the Rocky Mountains.
Interim Provost Nancy Brickhouse stated in an email message that Kramer will be greatly missed.
“Her impact teaching chemistry to thousands of students over more than 25 years is immeasurable,” said Brickhouse.
She said the university extends it’s deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and students of intrustor Kramer.
Kramer never seemed to be discouraged and was never daunted by any problem she faced, according to Burmeister.
“In her mind, ‘Things will always work out’ and, thanks to her untiring efforts, they usually did,” he said.
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