When I was about 10 years old or so the Crammers moved in across the street from my family and we started what will be a life long friendship! I'm now 32 and I love the Crammers as if they were my own blood. When I wasn't at home I was over their house under Linda and Ted's watchful eyes...they're like a second set of parents to me and I love them for that. Life at my house wasn't always stable and in the tougher times I could always walk across the street and come in their house...always welcomed.
It was always funny to see Linda reading her romance novels! I still think of her when I see romance novels...Linda. That was just one of her favorite things to do other then taking care of her tight knit family.
I've always admired Linda and Ted for their love of one another. All these years and they were always together. It was love the way God wanted us to have for one another and their love was something special. I hope that when I marry my fiance that our love and marriage is long and happy just like theirs! What a wonderful example they are to all of us!
I could go on and on about what a wonderful, beautiful, caring, smart, funny and loving mother, wife and friend that Linda was!! If you have all day and into the night just let me know and we'll chat! =) ..but the bottom line is that I love her!!! I can't wait to see her again!! I cry my eyes out thinking of her and her family. I hope she knew how much I look up to her and loved her! ...and always will.
Linda was a beautiful person, a beautiful sister, a beautiful friend. Calm and loving. At age 14, our parents divorced, and Linda was forced into the role of parent for my younger brother and me. We rebelled a bit, unfairly. But, she fed us and kept us safe anyway. As young women, in our early to mid-20's, we were friends and had many fun times together. Then we were apart mostly, for 15 years or so, creating our families and forming our lives in different areas of the county. For the last 15 years or so, we have stayed connected with visits as much as possible, but also with technology. IM and email. Facebook. Linda loved technology! On our last visits together, we would sit with our ipads and read our books, playing Words with Friends when it was our turn. Just being together in the same room connected us. Our last few chats were on Words actually, since she was unable to talk on the phone. The one that is the most memorable is where we exchanged our love for one other and the commitment to keep each other in our hearts. I've captured that page with my camera to keep with me ......and that is where she has and will always remain, in my heart. I love you Linnnie!
Linda loved technology! Yes, she did, as an operator, as a person getting something DONE be it word processing, spreadsheets, data base, PageMaker, or whatever.
Many of you are too young to remember, but back in the day before computers, books were kept on ledger and paper. A pencil, eraser, and an electric desktop calculator were the leading edge of technology.
Linda could run her left index finger down a long list of numbers while, without looking, running her four fingers and thumb over the keypad of the calculator. This she did at lightning speed never once looking at the calculator. Down the list, then up the list to reconcile.
Jedidiah George to Crystal Crammer August 3 at 11:02pm
So . . . I'm sitting here staring at the picture of you in your Mom's arms and tears are pouring down my face. I see your eyes in the picture staring at me and with the way your Mom is looking at you; I feel like she is looking at me. I look at the picture and I feel like we should all be that innocent. She is relishing in you and she sees nothing but hope, combined with the unconditional love only a mother can provide and the picture is perfection. One of the things I will always remember from the brief visit I had with you last time I was in FL was the story you told me about the interaction with your mom before you went to meet me at Bahama Breeze. She said to give me a kiss and understandably so you looked at her with a puzzled look on your face. But surely enough she hands you a Hershey Kiss to pass along. She always thought of me as one of her own and her presence, while quiet, brought an irreplaceable calm that will sorely be missed. Your mom was built on kindness and a rock on which anyone could rely. I miss her already. I am so sorry. With love . . .
Some trivia about Mom, she loved musicals but had never seen Grease. I was talking to her one day about how I had only ever seen it edited for television and how shocked I was the first time I saw it on VHS when she told me that she had never seen it. I think that shocked me even more than the unedited version of the movie did. How could she, or anyone, have not seen Grease?
We've gotten such wonderful communications from loved ones.. I wanted to share the public comments I received on my Facebook wall.. This doesnt include the phone calls, texts, emails, etc that were sent to me personally. Our family could not do this without all the love and support from everyone and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Cynthia Kiesel Green: Crystal, I am thinking a lot about you and your family. I hope you find comfort with each other. August 6 at 5:14pm
Chloe Bulman: i am so sorry crystal, im here if u need anything at all :( August 5 at 12:39pm
Tara Nelson: I am truly sorry for ur loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family :0( August 4 at 8:46am
Sherry Joslyn Tuckwiller: THANK YOU CYRSTAL: YOU GIRLS ARE FULL OF SUCH STRENGTH YOUR MOTHER INSTILLED GREAT WISDOM AMONG YOU ALL AS FOR YOU BROTHER AND YOUR FATHER I PRAY THEY ALSO HAVE THIS INSTILLED IN THEM MY BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU AND LAST BUT NOT LEST AN HONOR TO SHOW YOUR MOTHER'S PIC ALL WEEK ♥♥♥ {{BIG HUGS}}♥♥♥ August 4 at 2:09pm
Cassie Skipper O'Hare McMillan: {{{{{Crystal}}}}}} You guys have been on my mind for days, praying for you all, luv u. August 3 at 11:51pm
Mike Correia: you definately have my prayers... hope you are well August 3 at 11:09pm
Sonja Stoops: You are in my prayers sweetie. August 3 at 3:18pm
Kristen Macnamara: I am so sorry. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you always. August 3 at 10:39am
Melissa Hykes: thinking of you and your family crystal! August 3 at 9:30am
Dylan Rowell: Stay strong love....you in our thoughts and prayers! August 3 at 9:17am
Sandy Cash: I love your new profile picture...I am so sorry for loss...God bless! August 3 at 2:19am
Michelle Fitzwater: I am soo sorry for your loss. your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ♥August 2 at 10:53pm
Harriet Davis: Honey I'm here for you honey. Praying for you and your family everyday sweetheart. August 2 at 8:49pm
Monica Green: I have you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time. August 2 at 5:29pm
Michael Riddle Jr: So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. August 2 at 1:59pm
Chris Lynch: I'm so sorry, I just found out. If you need anything, Karla and I are there for you. August 2 at 12:00pm
Ellie Avant: oh crystal im very sorry for your loss! remember all the amazing times you had with her! memories live on forever! stay strong ♥ August 1 at 6:52pm
Whitney Dufner Fortna: Words cannot express how sad I am for your loss. You have the best family and friends for support. My heart goes out to you and family. Love you! August 1 at 5:56pm
Gary Strain Dufner: I never had the pleasure of meeting your family Crystal, but all I hear are good things from Whit, and am sad for your loss. If you need anything, or just need to hang or talk, me, Whitney, Steve and Jack are here for you :) August 1 at 7:51pm
Jim Willard: Crystal, I also am sorry to hear about your loss. It brings back memories of losing my mom a few years back. Try and fill the emptiness with all the wonderful memories you have, its what she would want you to do. Stay strong!! August 1 at 2:54pm
Colleen Casey: I Am So Sorry. I Love U And Am Always Here 4 anything u Need. August 1 at 12:54pm
Jennifer Gustavson: I'm sorry for your loss.. my heart is with you and your family during these hard times ♥ August 1 at 12:45pm
Genny Lawrence: Love you so much. My prayers are we you and your family! Call me when you feeling like talking. August 1 at 11:40am
Angie Wain: thinking of you. love u much. don’t hesitate if you need anything. August 1 at 9:58am
Teresa Barnett: I have to agree with Cindy's post!!! You all are amazing and anyone who had a chance to know her was very lucky. My heart is with you and family at this time. August 1 at 9:45am
Cynthia Leighton Spaid: Jess,Steph,Crystal, And Jack all of you are The best parts of her. Your Dad And her raised some pretty amazing kids. I know that she is in in a better place, And not in pain anymore. And i hope that you will all find peace in that. I love you all so very much. August 1 at 4:06am
Rachel Ellerby: I love you all so much, my heart is with you all. July 31 at 9:12pm
Mandy Owen Post: Bless your heart in this tough time! July 31 at 9:09pm
Sherry Joslyn Tuckwiller: SO SORRY SWEETIE IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU KNOW THAT I WILL BE HERE July 31 at 6:21pm
When I think about the CRAMMERS...the first thing that comes to mind is LOVE. LOVE because this is what the Crammers shared with everyone around them. LOVE because they are a family who shares it amongst themselves everyday. and last but not least, the LOVE they shared for their mother, Mrs. Linda Cash Crammer. I can't say that I knew Linda inside and out...my fondest recollection was of her reading a book (a romance novel...it appeared she loved those) on the front couch while I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek as I walked into Crystal's bedroom to see if my outfit was "cute enough" to go out in while Crystal finished her makeup (typical scenario before we headed out for the night). However, the one thing I ALWAYS knew was that she was forever cherised by those who were closest to her. NO ONE loved her the way her family did. She had an inner strength that her children looked up to (and always will). And as we all know, the love she shared with Ted (whom called me deputy daughter) was something I looked up to so very dearly.
As I look into the pictures posted on facebook (and here), I see so much of her family in her. The love I have experienced from knowing her family (Ted, Jessica, Stephanie, Crystal, Jack).... is a reflection of what they learned from her. And what they will carry in their hearts always.
You will always be in my heart Linda and I know you will make the most BEAUTIFUL angel in the heavens above.
Thank you for raising such amazing children and for bringing them into our lives.
WE LOVE YOU NOW AND FOREVER! (until we all meet again)
WOW, YOUR MOTHER WAS SO BEAUTIFUL: I DIDN'T KNOW HER PERSONALY ONLY THROUGH AMANDA. BUT YOU GUYS IN SUCH A SHORT TIME HAVE REVEALED HER INNER BEAUTY: THAT WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY FILM WAS REALLY SO AWESOME. THERE WERE MANY TEARS, BUT TEARS OF SUCH JOY. I WILL SURELY KNOW HER WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN! AS FOR THE FRONT PAGE ; THE LAST FEW MINUTES OF HER LIFE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MOVIE RIGHT I HAVE NEVER CRIED SO HARD AS I DID WHEN I READ THE VERSE THAT YOU WATCHED AS SHE FLEW OUT OF HER BODY UP INTO HEAVEN . TO SUM IT ALL UP IN MY OWN WORDS {{SHE BEGAN HER NEW LIFE WITH JESUS.}} BET YOU THOUGHT I WAS DONE HUH, NOPE... YOU GIRLS ARE SO FILLED WITH YOUR MOTHERS BEAUTY EACH OF YOU HAVE SUCH STRENGTH, AND COURAGE THAT IS SO AMAZING. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE YOU SUCH PEACE AND IT SUERLY SHOWS IN EACH OF YOU... AS FOR TED AND JACK. I DID NOT HAVE THE PLEASURE OF MEETING EITHER OF YOU, BUT I TRUST CRYSTAL WHEN SHE SAYS THEY ARE MY MOM'S {{BOYS}} TED EVERY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WOULD WANT A MAN TO TALK TO HER GENTELY AS SHE PASSES FROM ONE LIFE UNTO THE OTHER YOU DID THIS SO GRACEFULLY ENDURING THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE IS SO VERY PAINFUL! IT HAS BEEN NINE YEARS SINCE BUSTER DIED AND I WILL PROMISE YOU THIS: {{YOU WILL NEVER FORGET HER}} GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU {{BIG HUGS}} SHERRY
Dear Linda, I knew you as a woman of few words... After meeting you a couple of times, I used to joke with Jessica that I didn't think you would know who I was? But I quickly realized the way to making you get a little chatting was through a good 'Cindy' margarita! I may not have known you very well, but I feel like I know you best through your beautiful children and grandchild, who are more than friends to me, they are my family. I also feel like I know you best through your inspiring marriage to Ted. I truly admire they way you two adored each other. Because these are the amazing people that I connect to you, I know that you were a wonderful wife, and an amazing mom, and grandmother. I have never felt a more true and instant connection to an entire family as I have felt with yours. And I know that Robert and I are not the only ones to feel this way, you and your family are loved by so many. I will always admire they way your family is so very close, and I feel so very blessed to be a part of it. Love you and God bless you, Rachel
Thank you very much for the email letting me know about Linda.
As I cannot guarantee that I'll be available on the 21st, I want to write something now so my thoughts and feelings will be known.
In my universe the two most important ingredients are the granting of beingness and and an honest love for one's fellow man. I count as my dearest friends those beings who share my own importances.
The two of you have, in the past, and always will be among my most cherished people because you are so loving, caring and compassionate.
It is my belief that beings always find each other, no matter where we might roam.
You and Linda found me when I was a bit lost and helped me regain my direction. I don't know if you realized the magnitude of your simple communication. It impacted me deeply and I carry it with me.
Love always to both of you.
Les Warren
Les,
What a wonderful message!
I (we) had not realized the affect we had. Apparently we have been oblivious to much of the impact we have had on others as well. The outpouring of love and appreciation for Linda, the family, and me has far surpassed my reality.
On the one hand Linda has been my steady companion and constant support. I have been striving to accomplish something worthwhile with our lives. She would follow me anywhere. I would, likewise, follow her. In this life, I forged ahead, she laid back. That worked for us.
Apparently, I have been too busy forging and striving for some elusive state of accomplishment to notice what we've actually done. Linda has been so laid back she did not notice either.
Your communication is an eyeopener, a welcomed one at that.
I feel as you do, beings do find each other.
May I include your communication in Linda's memorial page?
Love,
Ted
Hi Ted,
I would be honored to have my communication included in Linda's memorial page.
I wonder how many good beings give a gentle acknowledgement of acceptance to a troubled being and never know the profound impact that their action had.
I got that acknowledgement from both of you at a time when I really needed it.
Linda was always good for some fun. When we were kids Dad thought that going for a ride was a good family outing. One such outing was a ride up Mt Diablo. Imagine four kids and two adults in a car with no air conditioning, no seat belts, and both adults smoking like chimneys.(Today it would be called child endangerment.) Anyway we were all pretty young. I think Linnie was about 2nd grade or so. She was practicing her reading by reading all the signs along the way. Mom would lead rounds of Row row row your boat or White coral bells,, and identify every wild flower she saw. Up the twisting road to the summit we headed. Linda reading along the way.. spotted a sign at a resting place that said "Bridal Nook." "Briddle Nook" Linda read. That made our day. We all smiled for the rest of the trip.
Ted said that Linda never harmed anyone in her life.. Except Stephanie Woolf. Stephanie chased Linda home with a stick, one day. When they reached our Todd Ave. property, Linda became brave. She took the stick away from Stephanie, and chased her back to her own house. Mom wasn't too happy about the stick, but she sure was proud of Linda.(Linda didn't harm Stephanie.)LOL
On the way home from Alameda one Sunday evening, we passed a place in Lafayette, high on the hillside called Planter's Dock. A restaurant with a waterfall landscape. Linda chirped up "oh there's peanut butter falls." (We had a neighbor that worked for Planter's peanuts!)
Linda Crammer was one of the most soft spoken women I have ever met! I have known the Crammer's for about 15 years, through Jessica and I could swear I never heard her raise her voice ever! But Jess, Stephanie, Crystal and Jack were always so respectful and very good kids. There is something to be said for a woman who has raised such well rounded, very beautiful children, each in their very own unique way! The love that is in this family is rare, strong and absolutely beautiful. When you walked into the Crammer house there was always a sense of calmness. I loved being there and I love hearing Jess tell stories about Linda and Ted (I think I learn something new everytime we talk.) Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss, you all are in my prayers! I know Linda is looking down smiling and proud to have been the mother and wife she was! God Bless you guys!
Linda Crammer was beautiful and calm and you could always find her somewhere reading a book. Linda and Ted have raised such strong and loving children, I love all of them. I met Crystal when we were in the third grade and I'm sure that we were meeting each other "half way" that same day. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up around this family. I hold some of the best memories in life because of them and I could go on for days telling stories. I have felt so much pain because it seems as if it is too soon for this to be happening, but GOD needed his angel with him. I love all of you guys and although I know it’s going to be hard, I pray that you all will find a place of comfort and not hurt anymore :) With Love, Amanda
To write this in full here would take up a lot of space. I wrote a bog entry on my own blog regarding mom. You can read it here: http://jessicaswatts.blogspot.com/2010/08/loss-so-dear-to-my-heart-personal.html
Although I did not know Linda as well as others, I am very blessed with being able to claim her (and her family) as my own family. ~My brother is married to Jessica~ Recently, through Jessica, her siblings and father, I have come to know the woman she is. And what a wonderful woman that is!!!! How incredible it must be to call her wife, mom, sister, friend. She has obviously touched so many. I think more than she ever could have imagined. One memory I have, is seeing her at Brian & Jess's toga party. I look back on that night now and see her just watching everyone have a great time.
To Linda's family, I know that you already know, but I love you all! I am honored to be able to call you family. I have personally witnessed the strong bond you all share. I believe it to be a true testament of Linda's love to see you be each other's support through this difficult time. Love, Kim Laster
Linda is my step-daughter and I love her dearly. I wish so much that I had been able to come to Florida when her life was sweet and healthy...and to meet her precious family.
Linda had the spirit and patience of an angel. When John Cash and I were married Linda was my maid of honor....we lived together for years and without her patience I would never would have had learned how to sew and knit. I remember when she decided to make pajamas for her brothers one Christmas.........she did and said "Never again...too much work!"
The wedding reception of Ted and Linda was held at the Cash home in San Diego. It was joyous. My son, Richard, ordered a champagne fountain for the occasion as his gift. What fun.
Linda leaves a beautiful family to share their love and grief. I feel at a loss to give you the words you need at this time...blessings and love to you all. I will miss Linda forever. Marilyn Cash Dawson
Linda hated to fly, but our stepbrother Doug was getting married... so she made the decision to fly all away across the country to be there. Her flight stopped mid-way in Denver, where we met, and boarded the next flight together. Neither of us liked the take offs or landings, so it was generous of Linda to endure another set of them to be with me. We held hands at take-off.... circled and circled the airport...??? Sure enough, the captain comes on and says that something is stuck to the windshield, so we had to land and take off again!!?????
During that trip, around the time of the wedding, Linnie and I shared a motel room with twin beds. We stayed up talking in the dark, sharing stories, just like we did when we were kids in the room that we shared.
She boarded the long flight home alone from San Francisco, clutching a loaf of fresh sour dough.... her favorite!!!
Mom did SO WELL on our flight out to see you in CA Aunt Sharon.. Even when she was scared, she never let it take over her - you really wouldnt have known from the outside unless you REALLY knew her. I will live the rest of my life trying to live up to the strong woman that she was. I will NEVER EVER forget that trip, and I am SO thankful for that vacation with her and dad. I only wish our whole family could have been with us.
Both you and Ted were tow of my fist San Diego Friends.
Linda "Thank You" with ALL of my heart for encouraging me to trust how I felt about Rich. I never did express to you how much our Girl-Talk; conversations and your encouragements meant to me (I only hope you could see it in my eyes and heart). Linda and Ted thank you for being there from day one (you both saw the Friendship and Love that Rich and I had... before we realized how deep our bond was). Linda and Ted you have an awesome and powerful GodDaughter.
Linda Spread your powerful and beautiful Bright wings - Fly High and forever and I do feel your love and support still.
All our love, all of the Furry's ...
Debbie, Rich, Wendy (and her awesome family) and our son Brian and in Loving memory of Gambler Furry (an Awesome, black, Morgan horse).
Linda I'm taking a walk along the (San Diego) beach to honor and celebrate your life.
I was honored by meeting Linda only once while she,Ted and Crystal came to California. We played password or some such guessing game. I will always remember the way she "winked" at me throughout the game. We were on the same team and we just had that "connection" where you don't have to speak, but just know what the other one is thinking. I know now,however, that she had that same "connection" with everyone she knew, but for me, I will always remember her great smile, (and the wink) and she said she knew I made her brother happy... Love to you all, Janis Cash
Linda was my step-sister for a period of 10 years when my mother Marilyn married her father John. Our birthdays are only 2 days apart, so during that time we celebrated many of them together. She got me my first "real" job at Century 21 Real Estate in San Diego, which I will always be thankful for. I got to be close to her then, and to appreciate her caring and loving nature that was her essence. Unfortunately, I lost contact with her and Ted when I moved away from the area. I am sorry that I never got to know her wonderful family. They are all in my thoughts and prayers as they are going through this sad time. She will always have a special place in my heart, and will be missed!! Love, Gayle Pierce
Well, I can truthfully say that I'm really not missing the Thanksgiving preparations at all. I'm so glad that I don't have to think about all of that stuff. The list making and shopping seems so overwhelming this year.
But, what I can say is that I miss the time we spent together making those preparations and talking, just being together. I'm very sad that I'm not going to be in the kitchen with you, cooking, making yummy food for the ones we love, spending all day next to the oven just to watch everyone devour their meals in ten minutes or less. I'm missing how happy you always are when we are doing that together. I'm missing how these times reminded me of how much we had in common and how easy it was to be together. I'm missing sipping on a glass of red wine together and enjoying our accomplishments as everyone tells us how good the meal was.
Most of all, I'm missing you, Mom. So very much.
We are headed out to South Carolina in the morning to be with Dad's brothers. I'm thinking of you always, and I'll be thinking of you while we are gone ... loving you, like always, and wishing to look into those bright blue eyes to see the true happiness of what this holiday means - family.
I'm so thankful that you were mine. My mom. I love you with all my heart.
On July 26, 2012, I received the following email from Jim Clarke of Clarke & Associates, Inc., a career management firm. Linda worked as Jim's administrative assistant for 13 years until Jim sold the firm and retired. She kept him organized and pointed securely in the right direction with his client paperwork and personal computer training. The two people mentioned, David and Sanford, have since passed. Together with Linda, they made up the stable, dependable backbone of the firm.
The email:
Ted, at least 3 or 4 times a week I refer to a list that Linda made for me years ago where she alphabetized my bible both old and new testament and put pages next to each book. It has to be at least 20 years old but I have it taped on my desk. She was a special friend and I just wanted to tell you how much she meant to me. She was a pillar that I knew I could lean on, I could take a folder into a second meeting [sales closing] knowing that it was in order, and there were no errors. She was a special person, and I am so happy that I have that 3 x 5 index card to remind me of her several times each week. Add to that, I have the picture you gave me of you both, alongside David and Sanford. I could call that the big 3 in my business life.
When I was about 10 years old or so the Crammers moved in across the street from my family and we started what will be a life long friendship! I'm now 32 and I love the Crammers as if they were my own blood. When I wasn't at home I was over their house under Linda and Ted's watchful eyes...they're like a second set of parents to me and I love them for that. Life at my house wasn't always stable and in the tougher times I could always walk across the street and come in their house...always welcomed.
ReplyDeleteIt was always funny to see Linda reading her romance novels! I still think of her when I see romance novels...Linda. That was just one of her favorite things to do other then taking care of her tight knit family.
I've always admired Linda and Ted for their love of one another. All these years and they were always together. It was love the way God wanted us to have for one another and their love was something special. I hope that when I marry my fiance that our love and marriage is long and happy just like theirs! What a wonderful example they are to all of us!
I could go on and on about what a wonderful, beautiful, caring, smart, funny and loving mother, wife and friend that Linda was!! If you have all day and into the night just let me know and we'll chat! =) ..but the bottom line is that I love her!!! I can't wait to see her again!! I cry my eyes out thinking of her and her family. I hope she knew how much I look up to her and loved her! ...and always will.
Thank you, Andrea. You know what to do, any time you feel like it, just walk on in. You are always welcomed.
ReplyDeleteLinda was a beautiful person, a beautiful sister, a beautiful friend. Calm and loving. At age 14, our parents divorced, and Linda was forced into the role of parent for my younger brother and me. We rebelled a bit, unfairly. But, she fed us and kept us safe anyway. As young women, in our early to mid-20's, we were friends and had many fun times together. Then we were apart mostly, for 15 years or so, creating our families and forming our lives in different areas of the county. For the last 15 years or so, we have stayed connected with visits as much as possible, but also with technology. IM and email. Facebook. Linda loved technology! On our last visits together, we would sit with our ipads and read our books, playing Words with Friends when it was our turn. Just being together in the same room connected us. Our last few chats were on Words actually, since she was unable to talk on the phone. The one that is the most memorable is where we exchanged our love for one other and the commitment to keep each other in our hearts. I've captured that page with my camera to keep with me ......and that is where she has and will always remain, in my heart. I love you Linnnie!
ReplyDeleteLinda loved technology! Yes, she did, as an operator, as a person getting something DONE be it word processing, spreadsheets, data base, PageMaker, or whatever.
ReplyDeleteMany of you are too young to remember, but back in the day before computers, books were kept on ledger and paper. A pencil, eraser, and an electric desktop calculator were the leading edge of technology.
Linda could run her left index finger down a long list of numbers while, without looking, running her four fingers and thumb over the keypad of the calculator. This she did at lightning speed never once looking at the calculator. Down the list, then up the list to reconcile.
Amazing. Just amazing.
Jedidiah George to Crystal Crammer August 3 at 11:02pm
ReplyDeleteSo . . . I'm sitting here staring at the picture of you in your Mom's arms and tears are pouring down my face. I see your eyes in the picture staring at me and with the way your Mom is looking at you; I feel like she is looking at me. I look at the picture and I feel like we should all be that innocent. She is relishing in you and she sees nothing but hope, combined with the unconditional love only a mother can provide and the picture is perfection. One of the things I will always remember from the brief visit I had with you last time I was in FL was the story you told me about the interaction with your mom before you went to meet me at Bahama Breeze. She said to give me a kiss and understandably so you looked at her with a puzzled look on your face. But surely enough she hands you a Hershey Kiss to pass along. She always thought of me as one of her own and her presence, while quiet, brought an irreplaceable calm that will sorely be missed. Your mom was built on kindness and a rock on which anyone could rely. I miss her already. I am so sorry. With love . . .
Some trivia about Mom, she loved musicals but had never seen Grease. I was talking to her one day about how I had only ever seen it edited for television and how shocked I was the first time I saw it on VHS when she told me that she had never seen it. I think that shocked me even more than the unedited version of the movie did. How could she, or anyone, have not seen Grease?
ReplyDeleteWe've gotten such wonderful communications from loved ones.. I wanted to share the public comments I received on my Facebook wall.. This doesnt include the phone calls, texts, emails, etc that were sent to me personally. Our family could not do this without all the love and support from everyone and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
ReplyDeleteCynthia Kiesel Green: Crystal, I am thinking a lot about you and your family. I hope you find comfort with each other.
August 6 at 5:14pm
Chloe Bulman: i am so sorry crystal, im here if u need anything at all :(
August 5 at 12:39pm
Tara Nelson: I am truly sorry for ur loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family :0(
August 4 at 8:46am
Sherry Joslyn Tuckwiller: THANK YOU CYRSTAL: YOU GIRLS ARE FULL OF SUCH STRENGTH
YOUR MOTHER INSTILLED GREAT WISDOM AMONG YOU ALL AS FOR YOU BROTHER AND YOUR FATHER I PRAY THEY ALSO HAVE THIS INSTILLED IN THEM MY BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU AND LAST BUT NOT LEST AN HONOR TO SHOW YOUR MOTHER'S PIC ALL WEEK
♥♥♥ {{BIG HUGS}}♥♥♥
August 4 at 2:09pm
Cassie Skipper O'Hare McMillan: {{{{{Crystal}}}}}} You guys have been on my mind for days, praying for you all, luv u.
August 3 at 11:51pm
Mike Correia: you definately have my prayers... hope you are well
August 3 at 11:09pm
Sonja Stoops: You are in my prayers sweetie.
August 3 at 3:18pm
Kristen Macnamara: I am so sorry. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you always.
August 3 at 10:39am
Melissa Hykes: thinking of you and your family crystal!
August 3 at 9:30am
Dylan Rowell: Stay strong love....you in our thoughts and prayers!
August 3 at 9:17am
Sandy Cash: I love your new profile picture...I am so sorry for loss...God bless!
August 3 at 2:19am
Michelle Fitzwater: I am soo sorry for your loss. your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ♥August 2 at 10:53pm
Harriet Davis: Honey I'm here for you honey. Praying for you and your family everyday sweetheart.
August 2 at 8:49pm
Monica Green: I have you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time.
August 2 at 5:29pm
Michael Riddle Jr: So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
August 2 at 1:59pm
Chris Lynch: I'm so sorry, I just found out. If you need anything, Karla and I are there for you.
August 2 at 12:00pm
Ellie Avant: oh crystal im very sorry for your loss! remember all the amazing times you had with her! memories live on forever! stay strong ♥
ReplyDeleteAugust 1 at 6:52pm
Whitney Dufner Fortna: Words cannot express how sad I am for your loss. You have the best family and friends for support. My heart goes out to you and family. Love you!
August 1 at 5:56pm
Gary Strain Dufner: I never had the pleasure of meeting your family Crystal, but all I hear are good things from Whit, and am sad for your loss. If you need anything, or just need to hang or talk, me, Whitney, Steve and Jack are here for you :)
August 1 at 7:51pm
Jim Willard: Crystal, I also am sorry to hear about your loss. It brings back memories of losing my mom a few years back. Try and fill the emptiness with all the wonderful memories you have, its what she would want you to do. Stay strong!!
August 1 at 2:54pm
Colleen Casey: I Am So Sorry. I Love U And Am Always Here 4 anything u Need.
August 1 at 12:54pm
Jennifer Gustavson: I'm sorry for your loss.. my heart is with you and your family during these hard times ♥
August 1 at 12:45pm
Genny Lawrence: Love you so much. My prayers are we you and your family! Call me when you feeling like talking.
August 1 at 11:40am
Angie Wain: thinking of you. love u much. don’t hesitate if you need anything.
August 1 at 9:58am
Teresa Barnett: I have to agree with Cindy's post!!! You all are amazing and anyone who had a chance to know her was very lucky. My heart is with you and family at this time.
August 1 at 9:45am
Cynthia Leighton Spaid: Jess,Steph,Crystal, And Jack all of you are The best parts of her. Your Dad And her raised some pretty amazing kids. I know that she is in in a better place, And not in pain anymore. And i hope that you will all find peace in that. I love you all so very much. August 1 at 4:06am
Rachel Ellerby: I love you all so much, my heart is with you all.
July 31 at 9:12pm
Mandy Owen Post: Bless your heart in this tough time!
July 31 at 9:09pm
Sherry Joslyn Tuckwiller: SO SORRY SWEETIE IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU KNOW THAT I WILL BE HERE
July 31 at 6:21pm
When I think about the CRAMMERS...the first thing that comes to mind is LOVE. LOVE because this is what the Crammers shared with everyone around them. LOVE because they are a family who shares it amongst themselves everyday. and last but not least, the LOVE they shared for their mother, Mrs. Linda Cash Crammer. I can't say that I knew Linda inside and out...my fondest recollection was of her reading a book (a romance novel...it appeared she loved those) on the front couch while I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek as I walked into Crystal's bedroom to see if my outfit was "cute enough" to go out in while Crystal finished her makeup (typical scenario before we headed out for the night). However, the one thing I ALWAYS knew was that she was forever cherised by those who were closest to her. NO ONE loved her the way her family did. She had an inner strength that her children looked up to (and always will). And as we all know, the love she shared with Ted (whom called me deputy daughter) was something I looked up to so very dearly.
ReplyDeleteAs I look into the pictures posted on facebook (and here), I see so much of her family in her. The love I have experienced from knowing her family (Ted, Jessica, Stephanie, Crystal, Jack).... is a reflection of what they learned from her. And what they will carry in their hearts always.
You will always be in my heart Linda and I know you will make the most BEAUTIFUL angel in the heavens above.
Thank you for raising such amazing children and for bringing them into our lives.
WE LOVE YOU NOW AND FOREVER! (until we all meet again)
Love,
Sharon
WOW, YOUR MOTHER WAS SO BEAUTIFUL: I DIDN'T KNOW HER PERSONALY ONLY THROUGH AMANDA. BUT YOU GUYS IN SUCH A SHORT TIME HAVE REVEALED HER INNER BEAUTY: THAT WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY FILM WAS REALLY SO AWESOME. THERE WERE MANY TEARS, BUT TEARS OF SUCH JOY. I WILL SURELY KNOW HER WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN! AS FOR THE FRONT PAGE ; THE LAST FEW MINUTES OF HER LIFE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MOVIE RIGHT I HAVE NEVER CRIED SO HARD AS I DID WHEN I READ THE VERSE THAT YOU WATCHED AS SHE FLEW OUT OF HER BODY UP INTO HEAVEN . TO SUM IT ALL UP IN MY OWN WORDS {{SHE BEGAN HER NEW LIFE WITH JESUS.}}
ReplyDeleteBET YOU THOUGHT I WAS DONE HUH, NOPE...
YOU GIRLS ARE SO FILLED WITH YOUR MOTHERS BEAUTY
EACH OF YOU HAVE SUCH STRENGTH, AND COURAGE THAT IS SO AMAZING. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE YOU SUCH PEACE
AND IT SUERLY SHOWS IN EACH OF YOU...
AS FOR TED AND JACK. I DID NOT HAVE THE PLEASURE OF MEETING EITHER OF YOU, BUT I TRUST CRYSTAL WHEN SHE SAYS THEY ARE MY MOM'S {{BOYS}}
TED EVERY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WOULD WANT A MAN TO TALK TO HER GENTELY AS SHE PASSES FROM ONE LIFE UNTO THE OTHER YOU DID THIS SO GRACEFULLY ENDURING THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE IS SO VERY PAINFUL! IT HAS BEEN NINE YEARS SINCE BUSTER DIED AND I WILL PROMISE YOU THIS:
{{YOU WILL NEVER FORGET HER}}
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
{{BIG HUGS}} SHERRY
Dear Linda,
ReplyDeleteI knew you as a woman of few words... After meeting you a couple of times, I used to joke with Jessica that I didn't think you would know who I was? But I quickly realized the way to making you get a little chatting was through a good 'Cindy' margarita! I may not have known you very well, but I feel like I know you best through your beautiful children and grandchild, who are more than friends to me, they are my family. I also feel like I know you best through your inspiring marriage to Ted. I truly admire they way you two adored each other. Because these are the amazing people that I connect to you, I know that you were a wonderful wife, and an amazing mom, and grandmother. I have never felt a more true and instant connection to an entire family as I have felt with yours. And I know that Robert and I are not the only ones to feel this way, you and your family are loved by so many. I will always admire they way your family is so very close, and I feel so very blessed to be a part of it.
Love you and God bless you,
Rachel
Les Warren wrote:
ReplyDeleteHi Ted,
Thank you very much for the email letting me know about Linda.
As I cannot guarantee that I'll be available on the 21st, I want to write something now so my thoughts and feelings will be known.
In my universe the two most important ingredients are the granting of beingness and and an honest love for one's fellow man. I count as my dearest friends those beings who share my own importances.
The two of you have, in the past, and always will be among my most cherished people because you are so loving, caring and compassionate.
It is my belief that beings always find each other, no matter where we might roam.
You and Linda found me when I was a bit lost and helped me regain my direction. I don't know if you realized the magnitude of your simple communication. It impacted me deeply and I carry it with me.
Love always to both of you.
Les Warren
Les,
What a wonderful message!
I (we) had not realized the affect we had. Apparently we have been oblivious to much of the impact we have had on others as well. The outpouring of love and appreciation for Linda, the family, and me has far surpassed my reality.
On the one hand Linda has been my steady companion and constant support. I have been striving to accomplish something worthwhile with our lives. She would follow me anywhere. I would, likewise, follow her. In this life, I forged ahead, she laid back. That worked for us.
Apparently, I have been too busy forging and striving for some elusive state of accomplishment to notice what we've actually done. Linda has been so laid back she did not notice either.
Your communication is an eyeopener, a welcomed one at that.
I feel as you do, beings do find each other.
May I include your communication in Linda's memorial page?
Love,
Ted
Hi Ted,
I would be honored to have my communication included in Linda's memorial page.
I wonder how many good beings give a gentle acknowledgement of acceptance to a troubled being and never know the profound impact that their action had.
I got that acknowledgement from both of you at a time when I really needed it.
Thank you.
Love,
Les
Such beautiful, beautiful words here. Thank you so much.. please keep them coming...
ReplyDeleteLinda was always good for some fun. When we were kids Dad thought that going for a ride was a good family outing. One such outing was a ride up Mt Diablo. Imagine four kids and two adults in a car with no air conditioning, no seat belts, and both adults smoking like chimneys.(Today it would be called child endangerment.) Anyway we were all pretty young. I think Linnie was about 2nd grade or so. She was practicing her reading by reading all the signs along the way. Mom would lead rounds of Row row row your boat or White coral bells,, and identify every wild flower she saw. Up the twisting road to the summit we headed. Linda reading along the way.. spotted a sign at a resting place that said "Bridal Nook." "Briddle
ReplyDeleteNook" Linda read. That made our day. We all smiled for the rest of the trip.
Ted said that Linda never harmed anyone in her life.. Except Stephanie Woolf. Stephanie chased Linda home with a stick, one day. When they reached our Todd Ave. property, Linda became brave.
ReplyDeleteShe took the stick away from Stephanie, and chased her back to her own house. Mom wasn't too happy about the stick, but she sure was proud of Linda.(Linda didn't harm Stephanie.)LOL
On the way home from Alameda one Sunday evening, we passed a place in Lafayette, high on the hillside called Planter's Dock. A restaurant with a waterfall landscape. Linda chirped up "oh there's peanut butter falls." (We had a neighbor that worked for Planter's peanuts!)
ReplyDeleteLinda Crammer was one of the most soft spoken women I have ever met! I have known the Crammer's for about 15 years, through Jessica and I could swear I never heard her raise her voice ever! But Jess, Stephanie, Crystal and Jack were always so respectful and very good kids. There is something to be said for a woman who has raised such well rounded, very beautiful children, each in their very own unique way! The love that is in this family is rare, strong and absolutely beautiful. When you walked into the Crammer house there was always a sense of calmness. I loved being there and I love hearing Jess tell stories about Linda and Ted (I think I learn something new everytime we talk.) Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss, you all are in my prayers! I know Linda is looking down smiling and proud to have been the mother and wife she was! God Bless you guys!
ReplyDeleteLinda Crammer was beautiful and calm and you could always find her somewhere reading a book. Linda and Ted have raised such strong and loving children, I love all of them. I met Crystal when we were in the third grade and I'm sure that we were meeting each other "half way" that same day. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up around this family. I hold some of the best memories in life because of them and I could go on for days telling stories. I have felt so much pain because it seems as if it is too soon for this to be happening, but GOD needed his angel with him. I love all of you guys and although I know it’s going to be hard, I pray that you all will find a place of comfort and not hurt anymore :) With Love, Amanda
ReplyDeleteTo write this in full here would take up a lot of space. I wrote a bog entry on my own blog regarding mom. You can read it here: http://jessicaswatts.blogspot.com/2010/08/loss-so-dear-to-my-heart-personal.html
ReplyDeleteI love you, mom. Always.
Although I did not know Linda as well as others, I am very blessed with being able to claim her (and her family) as my own family. ~My brother is married to Jessica~ Recently, through Jessica, her siblings and father, I have come to know the woman she is. And what a wonderful woman that is!!!! How incredible it must be to call her wife, mom, sister, friend. She has obviously touched so many. I think more than she ever could have imagined. One memory I have, is seeing her at Brian & Jess's toga party. I look back on that night now and see her just watching everyone have a great time.
ReplyDeleteTo Linda's family,
I know that you already know, but I love you all! I am honored to be able to call you family. I have personally witnessed the strong bond you all share. I believe it to be a true testament of Linda's love to see you be each other's support through this difficult time.
Love, Kim Laster
Linda is my step-daughter and I love her dearly. I wish so much that I had been able to come to Florida when her life was sweet and healthy...and to meet her precious family.
ReplyDeleteLinda had the spirit and patience of an angel. When John Cash and I were married Linda was my maid of honor....we lived together for years and without her patience I would never would have had learned how to sew and knit. I remember when she decided to make pajamas for her brothers one Christmas.........she did and said "Never again...too much work!"
The wedding reception of Ted and Linda was held at the Cash home in San Diego. It was joyous. My son, Richard, ordered a champagne fountain for the occasion as his gift. What fun.
Linda leaves a beautiful family to share their love and grief. I feel at a loss to give you the words you need at this time...blessings and love to you all. I will miss Linda forever. Marilyn Cash Dawson
Linda hated to fly, but our stepbrother Doug was getting married... so she made the decision to fly all away across the country to be there. Her flight stopped mid-way in Denver, where we met, and boarded the next flight together. Neither of us liked the take offs or landings, so it was generous of Linda to endure another set of them to be with me. We held hands at take-off.... circled and circled the airport...??? Sure enough, the captain comes on and says that something is stuck to the windshield, so we had to land and take off again!!?????
ReplyDeleteDuring that trip, around the time of the wedding, Linnie and I shared a motel room with twin beds. We stayed up talking in the dark, sharing stories, just like we did when we were kids in the room that we shared.
She boarded the long flight home alone from San Francisco, clutching a loaf of fresh sour dough.... her favorite!!!
Memories are SO precious!!!
Mom did SO WELL on our flight out to see you in CA Aunt Sharon.. Even when she was scared, she never let it take over her - you really wouldnt have known from the outside unless you REALLY knew her. I will live the rest of my life trying to live up to the strong woman that she was. I will NEVER EVER forget that trip, and I am SO thankful for that vacation with her and dad. I only wish our whole family could have been with us.
ReplyDeleteI won't forget it either. Bless you Crystal for making it happen!!!!!!!! Xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteLinda Cash Crammer
ReplyDeleteYou are such a Bright and Beautiful Star!
Both you and Ted were tow of my fist San Diego Friends.
Linda "Thank You" with ALL of my heart for encouraging me to trust how I felt about Rich. I never did express to you how much our Girl-Talk; conversations and your encouragements meant to me (I only hope you could see it in my eyes and heart). Linda and Ted thank you for being there from day one (you both saw the Friendship and Love that Rich and I had... before we realized how deep our bond was). Linda and Ted you have an awesome and powerful GodDaughter.
Linda Spread your powerful and beautiful Bright wings - Fly High and forever and I do feel your love and support still.
All our love, all of the Furry's ...
Debbie, Rich, Wendy (and her awesome family) and our son Brian and in Loving memory of Gambler Furry (an Awesome, black, Morgan horse).
Linda I'm taking a walk along the (San Diego) beach to honor and celebrate your life.
Love you dearly
I was honored by meeting Linda only once while she,Ted and Crystal came to California. We played password or some such guessing game. I will always remember the way she "winked" at me throughout the game. We were on the same team and we just had that "connection" where you don't have to speak, but just know what the other one is thinking. I know now,however, that she had that same "connection" with everyone she knew, but for me, I will always remember her great smile, (and the wink) and she said she knew I made her brother happy... Love to you all, Janis Cash
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ted Crammer and family I just gotta say that the {{Linda Crammer}} life of celebration was a SUCESS AND TOTALY AWESOME...
ReplyDeleteTruely after this event, I must have the same.
God bless all of you
Linda was my step-sister for a period of 10 years when my mother Marilyn married her father John.
ReplyDeleteOur birthdays are only 2 days apart, so during that time we celebrated many of them together.
She got me my first "real" job at Century 21 Real Estate in San Diego, which I will always be thankful for. I got to be close to her then, and to appreciate her caring and loving nature that was her essence.
Unfortunately, I lost contact with her and Ted when I moved away from the area.
I am sorry that I never got to know her wonderful family. They are all in my thoughts and prayers as they are going through this sad time.
She will always have a special place in my heart, and will be missed!! Love, Gayle Pierce
Well, I can truthfully say that I'm really not missing the Thanksgiving preparations at all. I'm so glad that I don't have to think about all of that stuff. The list making and shopping seems so overwhelming this year.
ReplyDeleteBut, what I can say is that I miss the time we spent together making those preparations and talking, just being together. I'm very sad that I'm not going to be in the kitchen with you, cooking, making yummy food for the ones we love, spending all day next to the oven just to watch everyone devour their meals in ten minutes or less. I'm missing how happy you always are when we are doing that together. I'm missing how these times reminded me of how much we had in common and how easy it was to be together. I'm missing sipping on a glass of red wine together and enjoying our accomplishments as everyone tells us how good the meal was.
Most of all, I'm missing you, Mom. So very much.
We are headed out to South Carolina in the morning to be with Dad's brothers. I'm thinking of you always, and I'll be thinking of you while we are gone ... loving you, like always, and wishing to look into those bright blue eyes to see the true happiness of what this holiday means - family.
I'm so thankful that you were mine. My mom. I love you with all my heart.
Love, Jessi
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOn July 26, 2012, I received the following email from Jim Clarke of Clarke & Associates, Inc., a career management firm. Linda worked as Jim's administrative assistant for 13 years until Jim sold the firm and retired. She kept him organized and pointed securely in the right direction with his client paperwork and personal computer training. The two people mentioned, David and Sanford, have since passed. Together with Linda, they made up the stable, dependable backbone of the firm.
ReplyDeleteThe email:
Ted, at least 3 or 4 times a week I refer to a list that Linda made for me years ago where she alphabetized my bible both old and new testament and put pages next to each book. It has to be at least 20 years old but I have it taped on my desk. She was a special friend and I just wanted to tell you how much she meant to me. She was a pillar that I knew I could lean on, I could take a folder into a second meeting [sales closing] knowing that it was in order, and there were no errors. She was a special person, and I am so happy that I have that 3 x 5 index card to remind me of her several times each week. Add to that, I have the picture you gave me of you both, alongside David and Sanford. I could call that the big 3 in my business life.
Warmest personal regards,
Jim Clarke
God Bless You