Helen Marie Kraemer

Helen McElwee Kraemer, 94, of Terrytown, LA passed away surrounded by family on October 24, 2019. Born on May 18, 1925 in Union, MS to Herman McElwee, Sr. and Lora Smith McElwee she grew up in Decatur, MS and graduated from Beulah-Hubbard High School in 1943. Helen married the love of her life, Norris Ronald Kraemer, Sr. on July 6, 1957.

Helen had a love of learning and began an extensive and accomplished collegiate career at Tulane University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1962. She then graduated with honors from Loyola University with a Master of Arts in Counseling in 1967. She was a member of the Zeta Rho chapter of Kappa Delta Phi. She was also a graduate of William Carey College where she earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1975. She went on to graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing at Louisiana State University in 1983.Helen’s love of education showed not only in her own educational background but in the way she encouraged and supported others in their own educational journeys. She believed that everyone deserved to have the opportunity to better their lives.

Helen is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Norris Ronald Kraemer, Sr. and her daughter Alisa Kraemer Urrata(Carey). “Honey” is also survived by her granddaughter AliseLavergne (Mark Coulon, Jr.) and great grandson Jared Alombro.She is survived by Harry Aicklen whom she loved as a son. Helen is preceded in death by her parents Herman McElwee, Sr. and Lora Smith McElwee and her loving son Norris “Ron” Kramer, Jr.

Helen loved to travel and was an avid reader. She lived by the motto “If I pay, I say.”

Special thanks to Dawn Urrata and Jenitra Morton for your support, help, and love.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Westside Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway, on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and continue Thursday morning form 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. Express condolences at www.westsideleitzeagan.com.