It is with a very heavy heart that we tell you all that our beloved Katie is no longer with us. She passed away very calmly and peacefully last evening, Sunday, July 13th at 7:48 pm. She had been at Beaumont Royal Oak on the hospice floor since Monday, per her request, and many friends and family were with her for her final week. Previously she was in home hospice for a couple months as her symptoms got gradually worse, but with the help of family and friends she was able to be comfortable in her own home until her symptoms got noticeably worse last weekend.
In the last year or so, her breast cancer had spread to her right femur and more recently two vertebrae which she got treatment for but other symptoms came along and some of her pain persisted requiring added pain medications to keep her comfortable. This limited her ability to get out and see you all, but she was always glad to know how you were all doing.
More information and photos to come soon, but we wanted to get out the information on the arrangements…..
There will be funeral service for Katie tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15th at 3:30 pm at The Dorfman Chapel in Farmington Hills, MI.
For those out of town and unable to make the tribute, the funeral home will broadcast the service live @ 3:30 via their website (follow detail link below, and use password of “nate“).
UPDATE: The Dorfman Chapel made both a video and audio recording – viewable on this page.
(APOLOGIES – I did not realize the password was case sensitive, so it should have been all lower case.)
—- Click here for more detailed information and maps —-
Shiva will be at Katie’s mom, Tammy Kramer’s house following the service through Wednesday evening, with religious services Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
(25715 Salem Rd. Huntington Woods MI 48070 Phone: (248) 546-5966)
Obituary
Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Haylee Kramer, age 44, of Huntington Woods, Michigan passed away on July 13th, 2014. Devoted mother of Nate Becker, beloved daughter of Tammy and Charlie (deceased), loving sister of Jordan (Mary) Kramer and David Kramer, proud aunt to Quinn, Harper and Caleb. Katie was surrounded by an army of devoted friends and her dear friend Ashby Woolf who adored her. Katie struggled with breast cancer for three years, while living beautifully and courageously until the end.
Although she enjoyed living in Chicago and Chattanooga, Katie returned to the place she loved most- Huntington Woods- to settle and raise her child. Her sensitive heart, determined spirit, and intuitive mind combined to guide Katie on a path of academic and professional achievements. For the greater part of her professional life she devoted herself to providing education, counseling and advocacy for Autistic children and their families. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Center for Humanistic Studies, Detroit, MI and a Doctorate from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology, Farmington Hills, MI.
Katie’s pride and joy was her son, Nate. Despite the challenging circumstances of the last few years of her life, Kate’s priority always centered around her son, Nate. Their relationship was characterized by the qualities that made Katie special–love, happiness, caring, intimacy, fun, learning, creativity and play. With the support of her loving family, amazing friends and compassionate caregivers, Katie always provided a warm and beautiful home to share and enjoy with Nate.
Katie touched the lives of so many people in a profound way. And she will be dearly missed by all.
Charitable contributions:
The Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network
6555 W. Maple Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
248-592-2687
or to a charity of one’s choice
Please join us in celebrating Katie’s inspirational life if you are able. She has touched so many and was equally touched by all of you.
We are collecting photos via thelifeofkatiek@gmail.com
Tribute to Katie
- Peacefully at Rest (with audio and video from funeral ceremony)
- Please Share Your Thoughts and Memories (and a Slideshow)
- Lifetime of Photos and Videos
(Click ‘Read More’ to see comments below)
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The Life of Katie K... 
I’m so very sad to hear of Katie’s passing but happy that she is pain-free. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. We will continue to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry to hear of Katie’s passing and hope that peace is not only hers, but yours too…
I went to high school with Katie and we graduated together in 1988. I am very sad to hear of her passing. Prayers to her son, family and friends!
We will miss Katie so very much. She was a treasure and taught us so much about living life playfully, joyfully and doing all you can for your children. Our thoughts and prayers for peace are with you all.
Katie always had a great group of friends surrounding her. I wish Katie, her family and her friends peace. She sure sounds like she was a fighter!
So many fond memories of growing up with Katie. She was an exceptional spirit that gave so much to so many. She will live on in our hearts.
Like many people who I have seen posting on Facebook and elsewhere, I lost track of Katie over the 26 years since we graduated high school but as I reflect back I have very fond memories of her. It was way too soon for her to be taken from us. If her son, Nate, has only half the smiling personality that she had then he’ll light every room he walks into.
I graduated high school with Katie. I had the opportunity to somewhat reconnect with her about 14 years ago. She had a kind sweet spirit and infectious smile. My deepest condolences to her son, Nate and all of her family.
Remembering lots of fun sleepovers in Huntington Woods, and thinking of Katie tonight. Sympathy and warm wishes to her family and loving friends.
So glad I got to spend the better part of a day exploring healthy foods, juicing, and food alternatives with Katie and Tammy. Katie was full of life in my kitchen that day and it felt somewhat sacred. Today we mourn courageous, beautiful, and intelligent Katie’s passing….she can rest peacefully knowing how many folks she touched with her spirit and generosity. Sending warmth to her family and friends who will miss her so…
So, so sorry Tammy and Nate and the rest of her family and friends!! I was so very fortunate to know Katie as a toddler and young girl…….I adored babysitting for her and then her baby brother. Never have I met such a joyful young child, who clearly grew to be a joyful, loving adult. The world has lost a gem!!
It has been so long since I’ve seen Katie but I remember her fondly. She had light-hearted, loving spirit. She will be missed!
My heart is with all of Katie’s family & friends at this time. Katie was a special, unique, kind, fun person to be around. There is an empty space in my heart but I will hold my memories of her dear. I remember fondly our days in the cabins at Camp Tanuga and at the lockers of BHS. I am thankful that despite our moving around over the years, I was able to reconnect with her briefly about a year ago. Prior to that we had kept tabs on each other through our dads who were dear friends. Even though we didn’t speak frequently, we seemed to just pick up where we left off. I feel lucky to have known Katie. She was one of a kind. Hugs to Nate, Tammy, Jordan, David and the rest of Katie’s family & friends. Love, Elana Karstofsky Greville
Katie is the kind of person you only encounter once in a lifetime. She seemed to have limitless compassion and love for friends and strangers alike and she was so full of grace. Katie became a mentor and dear friend to me and I will cherish her and carry her sprit with me always.
Katie welcomed me into the PLAY Project at the very first training for PLAY Consultants. I left that weekend feeling so very fortunate to have met her and had her as my direct mentor that weekend.
The grace, respect, authenticity, knowledge, respect and fabulous laugh she shared over the weekend with families, children, her peers and with us have always held a place in my heart. I left that feeling so fortunate to have met her and learned from her, well past that weekend, and what a gift it was. July 13th has been a day of remembrance for me since loosing my mom~ I dear one filled with heart and hope and celebration. It is even more so today~ Peace to you and to Katie~