Maria F. Cremer
January 17, 1952 – August 2, 2018
Our beloved sister’s life of service to others has ended as a result of complications following surgery.
Maria was born in Richland, Washington to Fred and Isabel Cremer an aerospace engineer and a registered nurse. She is survived by her brothers; John Cremer (Anne Batmale), Karl Cremer (Barbara) and Thomas Cremer (Nilda), and beloved nieces and nephews: Justin Cremer, Dimitri Karidis, Eleni Gillis, Andrea Bradley, Nicole Cremer, Kelsey Cremer and Christine Cremer. She is also remembered by her cousins and relations and friends in the La Rue, Steinbach and Dallmeyer, Batmale, Love and Mana families.
An avid student and quick learner, Maria attended Gresham Union High School and graduated class of 1970 from Marycrest Academy in Portland, Oregon. She then went on to academic success at the University of San Diego, where she made the Dean’s List, was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and in 1974 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree.
It was at USD working with underprivileged children in San Diego that Maria found her calling, and she changed course from biological sciences to social work.
Her career in social service began with Multnomah County (Portland) where she worked for 15 years learning how to develop and run direct services programs for the county. In 1987 she moved to San Francisco and began a 28-year-long career at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), San Francisco headquarters for US Region 9.
Maria brought to HUD a firm grasp of how local governments and nonprofits work, and she applied her expertise to help cities and counties realize their housing and community and economic development goals while addressing homeless issues. Maria was given the toughest city assignments in the western states, and inevitably earned her client’s admiration by working with them respectfully, but firmly.
Her diplomatic skills helped her advance through the ranks starting as a Representative in Community Planning and Development (CPD), then to Program Manager. She was promoted into senior management serving as Deputy CPD Director, Acting Director and finally to Director of CPD for US Region 9.
The years at HUD yielded many wonderful friendships among co-workers and local governments.
Maria loved hearing about the lives and adventures of all her nieces and nephews. She was proud of all their many accomplishments and cherished the time she got to spend with each of them. She was also devoted to the San Francisco Ballet and was a long-time season ticket holder. And she loved attending the Symphony and big stage productions in London, New York and San Francisco.
She was a world traveler: Her curious mind turned to many group journeys — often with an academic, cultural component. Destinations included: Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand, Russia, Turkey, as well as multiple visits to Europe including, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Holland, England, Scotland and many jaunts to Vancouver, BC and Hawaii.
Maria led a life of dedication, devotion, and service to others. Our loving sister, auntie, colleague, and friend will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association on whose San Francisco Board Maria served until her recent retirement. A Memorial gathering will be held Saturday, October 6, 2018. For information please contact (jcremer@ gmail.com).