Geraldine Mae (Bendoski) Cramer

Geraldine Mae Bendoski Cramer, age 86, beloved mother and grandmother, passed way January 17, 2024. Born in Fresno, California on October 11, 1937 to Edna (Peterson) Bendoski and Anthony Bendoski, she is survived by her children and their spouses, Karen (Kari) and Kevin Bovée, and Eric and Denise Cramer. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Jessica Shioshita, Michael Bovée, Taylor Preston, and Ryan Cramer, and two great-grandchildren, Sumiko Shiosita and Hazel Shioshita.

Geri spent most of her childhood in Clovis California along with her four siblings, Leonard Bendoski, Dorothy Leveque (deceased), Jeanne Schmall, and her twin sister Darlene Lomier. She married her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) D. Cramer in 1956. They were married for 61 years until Jim passed away in 2017.

In her early married life Geri worked at AT&T as a file clerk to help support the young couple while Jim continued his education to receive a Master's degree in physics from Fresno State College and the University of Oregon. In 1962, the couple moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico where Jim took a job with Los Alamos National Labs. Shortly after their arrival, Geri gave birth to their daughter Karen, and then a year and nine months later, Eric was born. While Jim was busy working and studying for his PhD in physics, Geri stayed home with the children, but also spent time in Santa Fe and the surrounding area learning about the diverse culture of New Mexico. It was there she discovered her love of art.

Jim's career took them to San Diego, California for four years where Geri turned her attentions to the art of cooking and entertaining. When they returned to New Mexico in 1973, Geri spent time perfecting her culinary skills, taking cooking classes and learning about fine wines.

In 1977 Geraldine and her friend Patsy Catlett embarked on a business venture. They opened Wildine Galleries and featured many up-and-coming contemporary artists and also featured some more well-known contemporary artists like Raymond Jonson, Aaron Karp, Forrest Moses, and Larry Bell.

In 1980, Jim founded Science and Engineering Associates. Geri then devoted more time to entertaining and supporting the growing business. They also spent time at their second home in Durango, Colorado and often visited with family in Clovis and Cayucos, California. The couple also traveled extensively in Europe where their appreciation for culture, wine, and art continued to grow.

Geri was a fun-loving person and had many friends. They and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss her buoyant, loving personality and wonderful sense of humor.

A mass will be said for Geri on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church on Wyoming, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the Albuquerque Country Club.