Donna Mauney Kraemer, age 62 of Shelter Rock Ct. passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville after a fifteen year battle with cancer. Donna was born on July 24, 1953 In Lincolnton, North Carolina on a farm that grew everything. They never went to the store to buy anything, not even sugar (they used honey instead)! Her parents were Floyd Fred and Ruth Wyont Mauney. She is survived by a younger sister named Sandra Calderbank, who is an anesthesiologist in Asheville, and Sandra's husband, Jim.

She was married to Paul Kraemer, who is a retired Auto Service Manager. They initially met at the Auto Service Shop that Paul worked in. After shredding one of the tires on her car, Donna went to Paul's shop and bought a tire from him. Paul remembered thinking to himself what a wonderful personality Donna had. One year later Paul saw her name in a personal ad in the newspaper and gave her a call. They got married May 26, 1989 in Gaffney, South Carolina.

Donna went to college at Western Carolina University. She wanted to become a teacher, and completed her student teaching in Asheville. After becoming a teacher, Donna enlightened children in a school in Asheville, three schools in the Piedmont, and a school in Mount Holly. After teaching school in Mount Holly for ten years, she retired. Her humorous and energetic personality made the children she taught immediately fall in love with her. Whenever she came to school her students would rush over to see her because they loved her so much.

Throughout her entire life, Donna had always adored dogs. She had many dogs over the years. In fact, while living on the farm, Donna trained bird dogs. Paul and Donna have a three year old Mini-schnauzer named Greta. She is a pistol and Donna loved her dearly.

Donna was delighted by the outdoors and liked trying new things. Donna loved taking pictures, gardening, dogs, children, walking and any sort of crafts. She maintained a shade garden of perennials at her home. Donna enjoyed sewing, knitting, and had recently began scrapbooking. She adored almost all food and ate very healthy. Aside from cooked turnips, Donna had never encountered a vegetable or fruit she did not enjoy. Donna's favorite colors were teal and royal blue.

The church had been an important part of Donna's life. It provided her a tight caring community. The people at her church were a part of her family. She always listened to her gut feelings because she thought they were messages from God.

Donna loved life and tried to have as much fun as possible each and every day. She believed it was important to smile at everyone because the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery in the Black Family Section.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services PO Box 4072 Pittsfield, MA 01202.

Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net