Sister Jean Kramer, OP

2022 – 64 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for families, friends, and the ill.

“Emboldened by Faith and Serving with Joy. Thanks be to God for my life, family, friends, and my vocation…to the Grand Rapids Dominicans! All of them have been so supportive.”

My life journey began in Pewamo in 1936. I am the second oldest of 3 brothers and 1 sister. My parents were Clem and Hyacinth Kramer who were loving and faith filled; we lived on a farm with my Grandmother until she died. My education was at St. Joseph School (Sisters of Christian Charity) and Pewamo High School each for six years. The Dominicans Sisters taught us in Religion Education classes during High School. While studying at Aquinas College, I met “young professed” Sisters who inspired me to take up God’s call to be a Sister.

I am most grateful for the many opportunities and experiences for education, retreats, prayer, and personal growth.

The 39 years of ministry as a teacher began at St. Boniface in Bay City and ended at St. Thomas elementary school in Grand Rapids. It was a gift to meet so many wonderful children, parents, and teachers. I have many lasting memories.

While studying at Central Michigan University, the idea of providing a program to support families really began. Thus was born “Partners In Parenting” whose goal is to help family life become healthier and less stressful. It was a privilege to meet and help couples looking to improve their parenting skills.

I have been enriched working with our Sisters on Project Reach Out, Retreat and Formation ministry; as a Spiritual Care Companion I continue to support those needing assistance. In my spare time I enjoy doing “genealogy” with my sister, reading, volunteering, and being a sports fan. A Jubilee of sixty years has been a fulfilling journey.

Through Partners in Parenting, Srs. Jean Kramer and Marguerite Cool have helped many families build healthy and fulfilled relationships.

Through Partners in Parenting, Srs. Jean Kramer and Marguerite Cool have helped many families build healthy and fulfilled relationships.

Dominican Sisters help parents learn better child-rearing methods with Partners in Parenting program. Paul R. Kopenkoskey

Dominican Sisters help parents learn better child-rearing methods with Partners in Parenting program. Paul R. Kopenkoskey

Srs. Marguerite Cool and Jean Kramer gently taught, guided, and encouraged parents of children of all ages since they co-founded Partners in Parenting in 1999. The Sisters have served more than 8,000 parents referred by area social service agencies, schools, and the courts, assisting parents in learning skills in managing anger, modeling positive behavior, discipline, coping with stress and many other challenges that parents encounter. (Octavian Cantilli | The Grand Rapids Press)

Srs. Marguerite Cool and Jean Kramer gently taught, guided, and encouraged parents of children of all ages since they co-founded Partners in Parenting in 1999. The Sisters have served more than 8,000 parents referred by area social service agencies, schools, and the courts, assisting parents in learning skills in managing anger, modeling positive behavior, discipline, coping with stress and many other challenges that parents encounter. (Octavian Cantilli | The Grand Rapids Press)

Sr. Jean Kramer drove the Winnebago that housed the Parners in Parenting ministry for more than two decades. Who better to teach drivers for our new congregation bus?

Sr. Jean Kramer drove the Winnebago that housed the Parners in Parenting ministry for more than two decades. Who better to teach drivers for our new congregation bus?