Dec 16, 2018

Emma Lois Fenimore Kraeer passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, December 12, 2018, in Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center, Canonsburg, where she celebrated her 98th birthday December 4th.

She was born in Canonsburg, a daughter of Melvin C. Fenimore and Emma Lewis Fenimore. Emma was the last of her immediate family that included brothers Melvin “Bud” and Earl and sisters Angie and Jane. She could trace her American heritage to the late 1600s.

Emma graduated from Peters Township High School and, a few years later, married Howard J. Kraeer October 20, 1941. Together, they reared four boys while living on and operating a farm near Claysville, a special time that created cherished memories not only for their family but for all who visited and spent weekends and summer vacations there. During their marriage, they also lived in Washington, Malvern, Metairie, La., and Frankford, Del.

Upon moving to Washington in the late 1950s, she attended Penn Commercial College, studying bookkeeping and accounting, thus commencing a business career that lasted well into her 70s. No matter where they resided, she always was active in church and volunteer organizations, along with being a foster “grandmother”. She enjoyed square dancing and playing cards with the numerous friends acquired during her lifetime. In her later years, she enjoyed word search and computer games.

She leaves behind three sons, Howard Wayne and wife RoseMarie, of Avella, Donald Robert and long time partner and family friend Allen Wapperer of St. Cloud, Fla., and Richard Lee of Washington; four grandchildren, Cathy Lynn Kraeer of Ft. Myers, Fla., Susan Marie (Jesse) Fox of Mt. Morris, David Wayne (Tammy) Kraeer of Burgettstown and Donald Lee Kraeer of Washington; five great-grandchildren, Dylan, Samantha, and Emily Kraeer and Katherine and Daniel Fox; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years; son William Ted; and daughter-in-law Karen Marie Kraeer.

During her final months, she was lovingly cared for by the admirable staff of the dementia unit at Townview.

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Wednesday, December 19, in Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell St., Avella. Burial will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree in her memory or donations to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.